If you’re looking for a moderate hike with stunning ocean views, the Cliff Trail in Harpswell, ME is a great option. This 2.2-mile loop offers some challenging sections, but the scenic beauty makes it all worth it. The trail is usually not crowded, allowing for a peaceful hike, and dogs are welcome on a leash. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking for a rewarding walk, this trail is definitely worth checking out. Want to learn more? You can find more details and the trail map on AllTrails here.

When I first started hiking, I always focused on reaching the “best” view, thinking it was the most important part of the hike. And yes, the view is important, but I quickly learned that you can’t control everything, especially the weather. Letting a less-than-perfect view ruin the experience is unnecessary. Over time, I’ve learned to appreciate the entire journey—from the start to the finish, and everything in between. This trail was a reminder of that, helping me realize that the true beauty of hiking lies in the experience, not just the destination.

The Cliff Trail begins behind the Harpswell Town Office in Harpswell, ME, where there’s a large parking lot. We parked there after office hours, so it was nice and empty. You can start the loop from either side—on the left, you’ll begin with a mile-long road, hike along the cliff, and end with a trail through the woods, or you can start on the right side like we did. Starting on the right, we hiked through the woods, passed an unexpected opening with a small road, a tower, and a recycling center (which had a surprising pile of broken toilets). After that, the trail continued back into the woods, and a short while later, we officially started the Cliff Trail.

The wooded section of the trail was well-marked, so we had no trouble navigating it. To make sure we stayed on track, we also downloaded the AllTrails map, which was super helpful. While there were plenty of tree roots along the trail, they were easy to avoid if you kept an eye out. Plus, the roots added a natural, scenic touch to the hike, making it even more enjoyable.

It was late March in Maine, so nature was just beginning to wake up from winter. Some areas of the trail were still wet, with small ponds and puddles frozen over, while snow lingered in the shaded spots. However, there were parts of the trail that had already begun to show signs of spring, with vibrant green moss and plants blooming. Small streams were flowing, and leaves were starting to grow, adding a refreshing touch of color to the landscape. It was a beautiful reminder of how nature gradually transitions into the new season.

By the time we reached the top of the cliff, the sun was beginning to set. Knowing that we didn’t have much time before it got dark, we took in the view as long as we could before heading back. Even with the cloudy weather and the ocean at low tide, the scenery was still beautiful. We spotted a line of ducks swimming around a small island and a few birds flying by, squawking. Up until this point, we hadn’t encountered anyone else on the trail, and there was nobody at the top, making the moment feel quiet, calm, and peaceful. It was the perfect way to end our hike.

After soaking in the cliff view, we continued further along the trail and were surprised to find a frozen waterfall. I can only imagine how stunning this spot must be during late spring or summer when the waterfall is flowing. As the sun began to set, the trail started to get darker, but with the trail being well-marked and the helpful AllTrails map, we had no trouble navigating our way back. It was a peaceful end to a beautiful hike.

Along the trail, we stopped at a few lookout points where we spotted a gaggle of geese and came across another waterfall. Unfortunately, the area around the last waterfall was too muddy to get a closer look. The final stretch of the trail was a long, flat gravel road that led us back to the parking lot on the other side. Despite the mud, it was a peaceful way to wrap up the hike.

The Cliff Trail in Harpswell, ME, offered a refreshing and peaceful escape, with its mix of woods and ocean views. As we made our way along the trail, I couldn’t help but appreciate how different each section felt. The early part of the hike through the woods was calm and quiet, while the cliffside views took my breath away, even though the weather wasn’t perfect. It was a reminder that the journey itself—each unexpected turn, quiet moment, and changing landscape—holds its own beauty. I loved how secluded the trail felt, allowing for moments of reflection in solitude. The surprise of a frozen waterfall and the sight of geese along the way added a nice touch of spontaneity to the hike. As we wrapped up the loop, the fading light of the setting sun highlighted the simplicity and serenity of the trail, leaving me with a sense of calm that lasted long after we finished.

Post-Hike Snacks

The above photos are from Brynes Irish Pub’s Facebook page. All credit goes to them.

After finishing the trail, we stopped at Brynes Irish Pub in Bath, ME to grab some beer and wings, our go-to post-hike meal! This pub is a local favorite, and we visit often. They offer a fantastic rotating draft list filled with local brews, along with great mixed drink specials. The food menu is concise but packed with delicious options, and they always have rotating weekly specials that keep things exciting.

We highly recommend the wings at Brynes Irish Pub – they’re always crispy and juicy! Our favorites are the homemade whiskey sauce wings and the unicorn wings, which feature a garlic buffalo sauce topped with shredded parmesan. They’re definitely some of the best wings in the area. If you’re into trivia, Brynes also hosts their own every Thursday at 6:30pm, making it a fun spot to unwind and test your knowledge after a hike.