The Long Reach Trail In Harpswell, Maine

The Long Reach Trail in Harpswell  starts at the ball field on rt 24. A medium hard walking trail with some steep banks leading down to the water. You are first introduced to the beautiful deep woods of Harpswell and slowly descend to the fabulous bogs that are abundant with beautiful plant life. Walking up out of the bogs on well made wooden walkways you are suddenly in a the deep woods again. Lush and green with some very interesting wild growth. There are sturdy stone walls along the path marking boundaries of times gone by. You start to ascend  the hill that creates the eastern wall of the water inlet separating the Cliff trail and the Long Reach Trail. The decent is a bit steep and the leaf cover made it a bit slippery and hard to see the trail, so where good gripping footwear and go slow. Once down to the bottom of the hill you have great views of the inlet and cliffs. We were there at low tide and saw clams being dug up near the island in the middle of the inlet. The path travels along the inlet for a ways and is a great spot to relax and enjoy the beauty of the spot. Now traveling up away from the inlet you are treated to some of the most wonderful plant life and rock formations existing side by side or intertwining in harmony. Up and down a few small hills and down to another bog. White cotton like plants filled this bog and contrasted the lush green surrounding it. It was a marvelous sight. On the other side we met up with the loop again and made our way back  to the ball field. I love this trail with it's many different features. I do need to warn you that it is a bit strenuous and the trail is in need of remarking. All in All I give this trail a B+.

 

 

 

The Cliff Trail In Harpswell

The Cliff Trail in Harpswell is located just behind the town office on the Mountain Road. It is a trail of wonder that seems almost out of place on this stretch of land. You can park behind the town office and start your hike down a well kept picture perfect tidal inlet. The path goes in and out with the shore.The woods are deep and green with moss covering the fallen branches and stumps that are scattered along the way. As you go your way into the woods and leave the inlet behind a new world is revealed with large old pine trees towering overhead, allowing just a glimmer of light in. Ferns and reindeer moss cover the floor of this forgotten retreat. The trail is well marked with both white and yellow markers representing the two separate trails. My father in law, my dog ( ladybug )and I continued initially along the white marker trail. Up and down along a series of small hills and valleys till we came to a sign that stated we had truly entered a magical place. The sign said Fairy House Trail. In the deepest part of the wooded trail, if you looked carefully, were a large number of fairy houses that were constructed of various types of material. Wooden sticks, birch bark, moss, and even a fairy house with a stone roof. It was truly a magical sight to behold. I would have been satisfied with the walk if that had been the end of our trail but we had just begun to find the hidden treasures that were in store for us. We came upon the sign for the Cliff Trail loop and started our ascent to this magnificent overlook. Breathtaking views that can only be compared to some of the overlooks at Acadia National park. What a sight. The edge is very steep so you need to be careful and to keep your dog leached for their own protection. The trail followed this incredible stretch of cliffs for a good while and there were many places for resting and reflecting on the beauty of the place we live. From there we were led  back into the woods with it's many wondrous sights that only the most preserved northeastern woods can provide to the hiker. I found it amazing that we were only minutes form the town office and the cross road we call mountain. The trail is well kept and fairly ease to walk. The two trails are about a total of 3 miles and can be done easily in a couple of hours. A must walk when in the Maine Mid Coast Area.