Waldo County: Coastal Trails and Maritime History
Accommodation in Waldo County
Explore Waldo County through a variety of interests: short trails through forests and coastal landscapes, longer routes on islands and in protected areas, and places with maritime history. This selection helps you shape your trip around your own interests, whether that means walks, birdwatching, or visiting historic sites and museums.
Trails Between Forest, Coast, and Water
At Moose Point State Park, two easy trails, each 0.5 miles long, offer a direct comparison. The Big Spruce Trail runs along the edge of the forest and offers views of Penobscot Bay; several benches are located along the trail. The Moose Trail, by contrast, is a loop that passes through the forest and crosses several footbridges. Both routes are the same length and described as easy, but differ in their layout and surroundings. The park also features an evergreen grove, tidal pools, and a view of the bay.
Sears Island has several miles of maintained trails. A full walk along the coast is about five miles long. In the milder seasons, possible activities there include birdwatching, trail running, kayaking, swimming, and cycling; in winter, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are also options. So far, 222 bird species have been observed on the island, and that number may grow with further observations. The remains of a farmhouse are also still visible near the Homestead Trail.
The Sheepscot Headwaters preserves more than 1,250 acres of connected habitat. Trails pass by headwater streams, glacial erratics, and groups of old trees, including trees more than 200 years old. Frye Mountain, Hogback Mountain, and Goose Ridge offer panoramic views; there are also opportunities for birdwatching, and numerous wildlife tracks are among the sights along the trails. The section of the Hills to Sea Trail from City Point to Route 137, in turn, offers a varied trail landscape of old and young forests, meadows, streams, stone walls, and a beaver dam with a beaver lodge. It passes by only a few houses or roads.
Lake St. George State Park offers activities in every season. Camping is also available, though the status of winter camping may change. West of the campground is a boat launch for trailerable boats; both motorized and non-motorized boats are permitted. If winter camping is important to your plans, check its current status in advance.
Maritime History and Places to Explore
Fort Point State Park includes both the Fort Pownall State Historic Site and the Fort Point Light Station. The lighthouse was built in 1836 to serve the growing number of ships on the Penobscot between Bangor and Castine; it was the first river lighthouse in Maine. Fort Pownall was built during the French and Indian War to defend Penobscot Bay. Today, only foundations and earthworks remain. If you’re exploring the area by bicycle, you can start a seven-mile loop around Cape Jellison at the park.
The Penobscot Marine Museum in Searsport is one of the oldest maritime museums in the United States. Its campus includes historic homes and other historic buildings. The “Powering Up” exhibit focuses on four early lobster boat designs: the Dory, Peapod, Moosabec Reach Boat, and Friendship Sloop. Visitors can also experience, among other things, setting a sail and reading a sailor’s journal. Check whether the exhibit is currently on display before visiting. Searsport’s Historic District was established to preserve the town’s historic character.
In Belfast, the Belfast Harbor Walk and Rail Trail connects the waterfront, the Armistice Bridge pedestrian bridge, and the Passagassawakeag River over nearly three miles. Another way to explore the town’s history is “Museum in the Streets,” a self-guided walking tour. For a ferry crossing, the Islesboro Ferry connects Lincolnville and Islesboro; the route is three miles long and takes 20 minutes. Check the schedule when planning your trip. The Common Ground Country Fair takes place annually in Unity on the third full weekend after Labor Day. It features organic foods produced in Maine, crafts, demonstrations, and livestock exhibits; the program may vary from year to year.
Explore more destinations: Stockton Springs, Winterport, Lincolnville, Belfast, Searsport.
See the broader travel guide: Maine.
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