Southport MaineHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Southport, Maine.
1. Hendricks Head Hiking Trail
EASY BEACH-ADJACENT LOOP
Hendricks Head Hiking Trail is a perfect little walk adjacent to Hendricks Head public beach on Southport Island. The trail consists of an easy half-mile loop that provides opportunities for bird watching, nature photography, and enjoying the natural beauty of this wooded landscape. Visitors to this trail will also enjoy the proximity to Hendricks Head public beach with its beautiful sandy shores and views of the nearby lighthouse.
2. Gregory Hiking Trail
SCENIC RIVER VIEWS
Gregory Hiking Trail loops around a heavily wooded 20-acre preserve with extensive frontage on the Back River, an eastern branch of the Sheepscot River. The beautiful 0.8-mile trail meanders through widely varied woods including evergreens, oak, maple, aspen, and birch, while also featuring a small pond bordered by wildflowers and cattails. Hikers can enjoy extensive views to the north toward the bridge connecting the Boothbay mainland to Barter Island and across the river to undisturbed wooded shoreline.
3. Porter Preserve
COASTAL FOREST EXPERIENCE
Porter Preserve is a popular Boothbay Region Land Trust property offering scenic hiking trails through coastal Maine forests. The network of well-maintained paths winds through diverse woodland habitats with views of local waterways. Visitors appreciate the preserve for its natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere throughout the year.
4. Ovens Mouth Preserve
TWIN PENINSULAS TRAIL
Ovens Mouth Preserve features two distinct peninsulas connected by a bridge, offering varied terrain and ecosystems to explore. The trail system provides hikers with beautiful views of the tidal inlet and surrounding forests throughout its network of paths. Nature enthusiasts particularly enjoy the preserve's biodiversity and opportunities for wildlife viewing in all seasons.
5. Penny Lake Preserve
WETLAND BOARDWALK TRAIL
Penny Lake Preserve offers an accessible trail system featuring boardwalks that traverse scenic wetlands near Boothbay Harbor's center. The preserve combines natural habitat protection with recreational opportunities, making it popular among both visitors and locals. Its location provides a peaceful natural retreat within walking distance of the harbor's amenities.
6. Oak Point Farm
LAKESIDE HISTORICAL TRAILS
Oak Point Farm is the largest undeveloped property on Boothbay Harbor, featuring scenic walking paths around a historic farm property. The trail system offers beautiful views of Knickerbocker Lake and passes through open fields and woodland areas. The preserve combines natural beauty with historical significance as a former working farm.
7. Zak Preserve
FOREST AND WETLAND EXPLORATION
Zak Preserve encompasses a diverse landscape of forests, wetlands, and small streams managed by the Boothbay Region Land Trust. The trail system winds through varied terrain, offering hikers opportunities to experience different natural habitats in one location. Wildlife viewing is particularly rewarding here due to the preserve's ecological diversity.
8. Lobster Cove Preserve
COASTAL SPRUCE FOREST
Lobster Cove Preserve protects a beautiful stretch of coastline featuring dramatic ocean views and a classic Maine spruce forest. The trail system leads hikers through woodland paths to rocky shoreline overlooks with opportunities to observe coastal wildlife. This preserve is particularly known for its spectacular sunrise views and tidal pool exploration at lower tides.
9. Damariscove Island
HISTORIC ISLAND TRAILS
Damariscove Island offers a unique hiking experience on a historic offshore island with centuries of human history. The trail system crosses the narrow, mile-long island with stunning ocean views in all directions. Visitors must arrange boat transportation to access this remarkable preserve with its combination of natural beauty and historical significance.
10. Ocean Point Preserve
DRAMATIC COASTAL VIEWS
Ocean Point Preserve features dramatic coastal hiking with expansive views of the Atlantic Ocean and nearby islands. The trail system follows rocky coastline and passes through maritime forest, offering excellent opportunities for photography and wildlife observation. This preserve is particularly spectacular during sunrise and sunset, when the coastal scenery is illuminated with golden light.