Tucked away along Maine’s rugged coastline in Sebasco Estates, Hermit Island offers a 3.8-mile loop trail that feels like a secret, waiting to be discovered. The trail weaves through a mix of serene woodlands and sweeping ocean views, inviting you to lose yourself in the beauty of the natural world. With an elevation gain of 285 feet, the hike strikes a perfect balance—not too demanding, but enough to feel like a gentle challenge. Whether you’re yearning for a peaceful walk by the sea or an adventure through coastal forests, this trail offers a little bit of both, each step unfolding a new piece of nature’s wonder.
The trailhead was easy to find with the help of the AllTrails app, guiding us along Head Beach Road in Phippsburg, ME. After winding down a long dirt road, we reached a small, empty parking lot near the campground—a perfect sign that our hike would be a peaceful one. From there, we had two choices: a small beach on one side or a dirt road leading to the official trailhead on the other.
Before heading to the main trail, we noticed a sign for Head Beach and decided to explore. We hadn’t expected such a quiet, serene stretch of sand, and it was one of those unplanned moments that felt like a gift. We wandered along the shoreline, letting the salty air wash over us as the waves softly crashed at our feet. The early April chill clung to the breeze, but the peaceful beauty of the beach made it impossible to rush. After soaking in the solitude a little longer, we reluctantly headed back to the trail, eager to warm up as we ventured into the woods.
We followed the dirt road for nearly a mile, meandering through the quiet landscape until we reached the wooded trailhead. Along the way, we passed peaceful campsites tucked among the trees, a tranquil pond mirroring the overcast sky, and another beach access that tempted us for a brief detour. Scenic viewpoints appeared every so often, offering glimpses of the ocean through the breaks in the trees. With clear signs and an easy-to-follow route, we were free to simply immerse ourselves in the journey.
Before delving deeper into the woods, we stumbled upon a breathtaking lookout we couldn’t resist. At the edge of the land stood a small cabin with a deck that offered an uninterrupted view of the open water. The sight was mesmerizing—waves rolling against the rocky shore, with the horizon stretching endlessly. The cabin seemed like it might be available for rent during camping season, and I couldn’t help but imagine how magical it would be to wake up to that view, just steps from the ocean. It felt like a dream waiting to be lived.
As we reached the trailhead, a wooden sign marked the start of our hike, leading us into the dense forest. Almost immediately, we were faced with a choice—the red trail or the blue. With no clear indication of their differences, we opted for the blue trail, drawn by a sense of curiosity. As we walked, the two trails intersected at various points. The red trail seemed to delve deeper into the woods, while the blue trail offered more open areas, with glimpses of the ocean peeking through the trees. Looking back, I’m glad we chose the blue—the coastal views were absolutely worth it.
This section of the trail was well-marked and easy to follow, though the early spring conditions left some areas muddy. Thankfully, there were plenty of dry patches to step on. Twisting tree roots crisscrossed the path, adding a rugged charm to the landscape. Since I tend to watch my footing, I had no trouble stepping over them, though they could pose a challenge for anyone not as mindful. Along the trail, clusters of mushrooms sprouted from the damp earth, some growing in intricate patterns on tree trunks—a quiet reminder of nature’s subtle beauty.
One of my favorite aspects of this hike was the perfect balance between wooded trails and sweeping ocean views. The blue trail’s forested path didn’t last long before merging with the red, guiding us toward the rocky coastline. As the trees began to thin, the scenery opened up, revealing breathtaking, unobstructed views of the ocean stretching endlessly before us. The rhythmic crashing of waves against the rocks filled the air, adding to the serenity of the journey. This trail felt like a true escape, where the landscape constantly shifted, offering new sights and experiences with each step.
The rocky coastline stretched out before us, rugged and breathtaking. Some sections were steep, requiring careful footing, but nothing too challenging. This part of the trail was where we gained most of our elevation, climbing over weathered stone as the landscape gradually opened up around us. Below, the water shimmered in shades of deep blue and turquoise, glistening where the sunlight hit just right. Despite the steady breeze, the sea was calmer than I had expected, though the waves still crashed powerfully against the jagged rocks. What I love most about the ocean is how wild and untamed it is, yet there’s an undeniable peace in its presence. No matter how restless the waves, being near the water always brings me a deep sense of calm.
We found the perfect spot to sit among the rocks, where the waves rolled in and out with rhythmic grace. For a while, we simply sat there, watching the ocean breathe, inhaling the salty air and listening to the sound of water colliding with stone. I’m not sure if it was high tide, but I could only imagine how incredible this place must look when the water rises even further. If you’re looking for a spot to pause, reflect, and soak in the beauty of the Maine coast, this is it. Trust me.
One of the most memorable moments of the hike came when the trail opened up to a secluded beach, an unexpected stretch of sand and sea that felt like stepping into another world. For a moment, we were cast away, stranded on our own private island. The scene had an almost cinematic quality—like something out of Pirates of the Caribbean—with its untouched shoreline, scattered driftwood, and the vast ocean stretching endlessly before us. And the best part? We had it all to ourselves.
We wandered across the sand, climbing over weathered rocks and exploring every inch of the shoreline. The beach was blanketed in seaweed, speckled with shells, and dotted with washed-up lobster traps, a quiet reminder of the connection to the sea. Unlike the dramatic waves crashing against the rocky coastline earlier, the water here was gentler, its rhythmic lapping against the shore creating a peaceful, meditative sound. As the sun dipped lower in the sky, its golden light spilled over the landscape, catching the edges of the waves and illuminating the trail in a warm, hazy glow. The way the light shifted, touching different parts of the beach and trail, made everything feel even more magical—a perfect, fleeting moment in time.
After leaving the beach behind, we followed the trail and soon came upon a breathtaking stretch of tall, golden grass. As the sun sank lower in the sky, its warm light filtered through the swaying blades, casting long, delicate shadows that danced in the evening breeze. It was one of those moments that felt almost otherworldly—like stepping onto an untouched, wild landscape. I’d never seen anything like it before.
A narrow sandy path wound its way through the grass, inviting us to follow. We walked slowly, savoring the surreal beauty of the scene, until the path led us to yet another beach. This one was quieter, tucked away in a small cove, where the water gently lapped at the shore. We would have loved to linger, but with about a mile and a half left to go, we knew we needed to keep moving to catch the last light of day.
We followed the final stretch of the trail along a quiet dirt road, where we stumbled upon a campsite with an absolutely breathtaking view of the sunset. The sky had begun to shift into soft hues of orange and pink, reflecting off the water in a mesmerizing glow. If we ever camp here, this would be the site we’d choose—imagine ending each day watching the sun dip below the horizon from right outside your tent. It was the kind of place where time seemed to slow down, letting you soak in the peacefulness of the moment.
Since this was a loop trail, we eventually found ourselves back at the same beach where our hike had begun. Seeing it now, bathed in the golden light of sunset, felt like experiencing an entirely new place. The tide had shifted slightly, the colors of the sky transformed, and the whole scene took on a dreamy, tranquil quality. We lingered as long as we could, taking in the quiet beauty before finally heading off in search of some well-earned food.
Reflections from the Trail
Hiking Hermit Island felt like stepping into a world of quiet beauty and wild serenity. The ever-changing landscape—from dense forests to rugged cliffs, hidden beaches, and golden fields—made every turn in the trail feel like a new discovery. There was a rhythm to this hike, a natural flow between moments of adventure and stillness, where the crashing waves balanced the hush of the woods, and the warmth of the sun met the cool ocean air.
What stood out most was the solitude. With so few people on the trail, it felt like we had stumbled upon something secret, a place that existed just for us in that moment. Sitting on the rocky cliffs, watching the ocean stretch endlessly before us, I felt small in the best possible way—humbled by the vastness of the sea, yet deeply connected to it. It was a reminder that nature has a way of quieting the noise in our minds, replacing it with something simpler, more real.
This hike wasn’t just about the views (though they were incredible); it was about the feeling it left behind. The kind of peaceful exhaustion that comes from moving through a landscape that captivates you, from letting the wind, the waves, and the shifting light work their way into your soul. It’s the kind of trail that lingers with you long after you’ve left—one that calls you back, promising more to see, more to feel, more to experience. And I already know I’ll be answering that call.
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.
