Rocky coastline, sheltered coves, tidepools, island access, historic buildings and Rachel Carson. This trail includes just about everything and is truly one of my favorites.
This flat, 1.4 mile out and back trail is great for all ages. It is part of the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge, which was established in 1966 in cooperation with the State of Maine and is protecting one of the largest networks of conservation land in Southern coastal Maine. The hike is short, but certainly not quick since it includes endless places to explore or just sit and enjoy the stunning views.
After parking at a sheltered cove, follow the path along the cove and through the forest.
The trail eventually leads to a rocky coastline with views of Goose Rocks Beach and Timber Island, which you can walk to during low tide. We visited during high tide recently, so were unable to make it over to the island. I have, however, been here at low tide and there is a natural bridge of stones you can walk across to access the island. It's definitely worth checking the tide schedule so that you can visit during low tide.
Once you've explored the coast, get ready for a different kind of adventure on your hunt for the Seek'em. We've hidden it in a historic home located here. Once you've left the beach, look for the sign for historic buildings. You will take a right and follow a short path through a field leading to this house.
The house was built by Louise and Charles Ewing, who spent their summers at Parsons Beach in the 1920s. According to the sign located here, "Louise purchased Timber Point in 1929. She had a special love of nature and wild places. It is largely thanks to her influence that Timber Point has remained relatively unchanged. Timber Point had been farmed in the 1770s, and light farming continued throughout the Ewings' tenure. The scattered meadows were used for pasture and hay, though the woods were generally left untouched.
Charles Ewing, a master architect, was schooled in the classical style, drawing heavily from Greek and Roman influences. He studied at L'Ecole des Beaux Arts in Paris in the late 1890s. Built in 1931, the Ewing house was his last major architectural venture, culminating a career designing public and private buildings throughout the Northeast."
There was a volunteer tour guide here when we arrived. They told us that we were allowed to look in the windows of the house, but could not go inside due to disrepair. We were able to explore the perimeter of the house and what a spectacular view the Ewing's had!
There are limited parking spots for this trail, so I'd suggest visiting during the week if possible. From route 9 in Biddeford, take Granite Point Road and follow it to the end. The address is 140 Granite Point Road. Hope you make it to this one!