The Hamilton Audubon Sanctuary in West Bath, ME, offers a peaceful 3.1-mile loop trail that’s perfect for nature lovers. With only 167 feet of elevation gain, this easy hike takes you through beautiful forests and along scenic ocean views. It’s a quiet spot, ideal for bird watching and soaking in the natural surroundings. Whether you’re looking to relax or explore, this trail provides a calming experience for all. Want to learn more about the trail? Check out the AllTrails information and map here.
The Hamilton Audubon Sanctuary is part of a 93-acre conservation area dedicated to preserving Maine’s wildlife and natural habitats. It was generously gifted to the Maine Audubon by Millicent Hamilton, who lived on the property from the 1940s until her passing in 1986. Millicent was a devoted naturalist and bird watcher, and she spent many years enjoying the serene beauty of this land. The trail winds through open fields, wooded areas, and alongside a salt marsh by Back Cove. It’s a haven for birdwatchers, as many different bird species call this area home, so if you’re lucky, you might spot a few. The sanctuary is free to the public, open year-round from dawn to dusk, and offers winter activities like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. While there are posted boundaries visitors should respect, it’s important to note that pets are not allowed on the trails.
Hamilton Audubon Sanctuary holds a special place in my heart because it was the first trail I ever hiked on my own. While it wasn’t a mountain trail, its beauty was just as captivating. I enjoyed strolling through the woods, relaxing by the water, and taking in the peaceful sounds of nature. It was the perfect way to spend a quiet spring afternoon in Maine, and it left me feeling refreshed and connected to the outdoors.
The parking lot for Hamilton Audubon Sanctuary is located off Foster Point Road in West Bath, and the trailhead is directly across the road. When I arrived, the lot was empty, and the ground was quite muddy, as it was early spring — the notorious “mud season” in Maine. I parked in the area that seemed the safest, grabbed my hiking backpack, and set off on my adventure.
At the trailhead, I took a moment to check out the trail board, which had some interesting articles and a helpful map. I learned that there are three trails — blue, yellow, and green — that eventually connect on the right side. If you go left, you’ll find the red trail, which doesn’t link up with the others since it’s on the opposite side of the sanctuary. I decided to follow the blue, yellow, and green trails, using my AllTrails map, and soon found myself crossing a bridge and heading into the woods.
As I crossed the bridge, I noticed it was low tide, so the water view wasn’t quite what I’d hoped for, but I wasn’t going to let that spoil my hike. I kept going, heading into the woods on the blue trail, with birds flying overhead and the sun peeking through the trees. At first, the trail didn’t offer much of a water view, but as I walked, I started to catch glimpses of the water through the trees. Every now and then, I came across a small clearing with a bench, the perfect spot to pause, relax, and take in the peaceful surroundings.
The blue trail wound through the woods, staying close to the water for most of the hike. The contrast between the lush green trees, moss, and plants with the bright blue sky and sunbeams filtering through was absolutely stunning. While I do love hiking up mountains for the views at the top, there’s something special about nature trails near the water. You get to enjoy beautiful views the whole way, which makes the journey feel rewarding from start to finish.
Gradually, I made my way from the blue trail to the green trail. This section took me a bit farther from the water and deeper into the woods. Some of the smaller paths, like the one shown in the photo above, made me feel like I had stepped into a fantasy world, with the trees arching overhead and creating a magical, almost tunnel-like atmosphere. Along the way, I also passed a small pond but decided to keep moving forward, eager to see what the trail had in store next.
As I walked along the trail, I noticed how some areas still looked dull and gray, while others were full of life, blossoming with color. One of my favorite moments was when I walked down a path surrounded by vibrant green moss on both sides, with the brown dirt in between making the moss stand out even more. This section of the trail eventually led me back to the water, where I was able to venture down into the marsh, taking in the peaceful surroundings while the tide was still low.
The view here was absolutely beautiful, and it felt like I could see for miles in both directions. Small pockets of water remained from the low tide, and the sand was soft and damp beneath my feet. As I walked, I noticed shells and snails scattered everywhere, so I carefully watched each step to avoid stepping on them. Since I was the only one in this area, it was wonderfully peaceful and quiet, allowing me to fully enjoy the serene surroundings.
After climbing back up the hill, I continued along the trail, once again surrounded by the woods and the peaceful sound of the water. A few minutes later, I came across a large open area and walked out onto the rocks, where I found the perfect spot to sit and relax. I stayed there for about half an hour, fully soaking in the peaceful atmosphere. This spot would have been ideal for a picnic, and I wish I had brought one. Even though it was low tide, I spotted several birds and ducks swimming in the deeper parts of the water. It was such a serene part of the trail, and exactly what I needed to clear my mind.
After I finished relaxing, I got back on the green trail and continued through the woods, staying close to the water. This part of the trail passed through a forested wetland, and there were signs and small wooden bridges to help guide me and protect the delicate land. The colors around me remained as vibrant and bright as when I started, making the entire walk feel fresh and energizing.
As I made my way back to the parking lot, I found myself on the blue trail again and passed the pond I had seen earlier. Curious, I decided to take a closer look and spotted a group of turtles sunbathing on a log in the water. I quietly snapped a few photos without disturbing them, enjoying the peaceful moment. It was the perfect chance to soak in the sunshine and the sounds of nature. Afterward, I continued along the blue trail, crossed the bridge, and finally made my way back to the parking lot. On the drive home, I reflected on the hike, the beautiful views, and the thoughts that had been on my mind. I almost didn’t go on this trail because I was nervous about hiking alone, but I’m so glad I did—it turned out to be exactly what I needed.
Overall, my hike at Hamilton Audubon Sanctuary was a perfect escape into nature. From the peaceful woods to the calming sounds of the water, every part of the trail offered something special. The vibrant scenery and variety of birdlife added to the experience, making it feel like a quiet retreat. Though I initially hesitated about hiking alone, I ended up feeling completely at ease, enjoying the solitude and the chance to reconnect with myself. The trail’s easy terrain made it an enjoyable walk, and I loved how the surroundings changed as I moved from the wooded areas to the marshy water’s edge. This hike was a reminder of how much beauty is out there waiting to be explored, and how sometimes, the most peaceful moments come when you least expect them.
Do you have any hiking trails you’d recommend? I’d love to hear your suggestions!
I’d love to hear your recommendations for my next hiking adventure! Feel free to reach out to me through my social media links below or shoot me an email at hellopeaceofmindy@gmail.com. Let’s connect and share trail ideas!
All the photos featured in this blog post were taken by me, unless otherwise noted.
