While reaching an incredible viewpoint is always a highlight, I’ve come to understand that hiking is about so much more than just the destination. The weather shifts, visibility can be elusive, and often the most meaningful moments are found along the way—in the winding trails, beneath the towering trees, or in the quiet stillness when the world seems to pause. This trail was yet another reminder to embrace the entire journey, from the first step to the last, rather than fixating only on what waits at the end.

The Cliff Trail begins behind the Harpswell Town Office, where a spacious parking lot offers a simple, convenient start to the hike. Since we arrived after office hours, the lot was nearly empty, which added to the trail’s quiet, secluded atmosphere. The loop can be hiked in either direction. Heading left takes you along a mile-long road before reaching the cliffs, while taking the right leads you directly into the forest. We chose the wooded path, stepping into a tunnel of trees that felt almost like its own world. Soon enough, the trail unexpectedly opened up to reveal a small road, a tower, and, surprisingly, a recycling center with an oddly amusing pile of broken toilets. It was a quirky, out-of-place sight, but it didn’t last long. Soon, we were back in the trees, ready for the next chapter of our adventure.

The wooded section of the trail was well-marked, making it easy to follow. To stay on track, we used the AllTrails map for extra reassurance as we wound our way through the trees. The path was lined with sprawling tree roots, twisting and weaving across the ground like nature’s own intricate design. Some rose up, forming natural steps, while others sprawled across the earth, creating patterns in the dirt worn smooth by years of footsteps. While a few sections required careful footing, the roots added a rugged charm to the hike, making it feel even more connected to the landscape around us.

Since it was late March in Maine, the landscape felt suspended between winter’s last grip and the first stirrings of spring. The air carried a crisp chill, yet every so often, a breeze hinted at the warmth slowly returning. In shaded pockets of the forest, patches of snow still clung stubbornly to the ground, while small ponds and puddles remained frozen, their surfaces smooth and glassy. But elsewhere, signs of life were starting to push through. Vibrant green moss stretched across damp rocks, tiny buds peeked out from branches, and the ground softened in places where the frost had finally released its hold. Small streams trickled alongside the trail, reflecting the shifting light through the trees. The blend of seasons made the trail feel alive, caught in that in-between moment, reminding me how much I love this time of year, when everything feels on the verge of awakening.

We lingered at the overlook as long as we could, savoring the quiet moment. Even with the cloudy skies and the ocean at low tide, the view was still breathtaking in its own way. A small island sat just offshore, where a line of ducks swam leisurely around its rocky edges. Overhead, a few birds soared by, their distant calls the only sound breaking the stillness. Up until this point, we hadn’t passed another hiker, and with the summit entirely to ourselves, the peacefulness of the scene felt even more profound.

As we continued along the trail, we stumbled upon a frozen waterfall tucked within the trees. Cascading layers of ice clung to the rock face, frozen in time, making me wonder just how stunning this spot must be in late spring or summer when the water is flowing freely. The late afternoon light was beginning to fade, casting deep blue hues over the landscape. But with well-marked trails and the AllTrails map guiding us, we had no trouble finding our way back.

Along the way, we paused at another lookout, where a gaggle of geese glided across the water below. Further down the trail, we spotted yet another waterfall. Unfortunately, recent rains had left the area too muddy to explore up close, but just glimpsing it through the trees added to the magic of the hike. The final stretch of the trail followed a long, flat gravel road that looped back to the parking lot. Though the walk was easy, it offered a quiet, reflective end to the adventure.