Devil's Back Trail - Harpswell, Maine

Devil's Back Trailhead Marker

We're always looking for new places to hike in all seasons. We hit the Devil's Back Trail in May while on a loop around Harpswell. I can't say how many times we've driven past here and never noticed it. It's kind of embarrassing! There is the close-to-the-road sign above and there is a nicely sized parking area right across the road. Hard to miss. And yet I have, many times.

The trails meander around through pine woods and along the coast. There are a few spots where the trails cross and definite markers that you've reached the end of the town property. We didn't have time to walk the whole trail, so we'll leave it to you to find the places we missed. Bring along a picnic lunch and enjoy it on the small beaches or large rocks along the coast.

Download a trail map here.

Here are a few photos from our day on the trail:

Along the trail - rope hand holds

Horseshoe crab

Lobster boats on Long Cove

'Rocks' on the trail

Lester's Bench looking out at Long Cove

To get to Devil's Back Trail from White Cedar Inn:

Go north on Rt 1 (in front of the house) to the exit for Cooks Corners - Bailey Island. At the stop light go straight. Stay on Rt 24 across Great Island to Orr's Island. As you come around a long, left curve you'll see the bridge to Orr's Island. The parking area is on the left after a couple of side roads/driveways. There are boulders demarcating the parking from the road. Across the street is the trail.

You could spend a whole day traversing the islands, meandering down side roads to the towns at the end of the peninsulas.

Combine this with a trip the Giant's Stairs,Bowdoin College Coastal Studies Trail and a stop at Land's End for some fudge! And don't miss the many lobster pounds and restaurants along the way.

White Cedar Inn Bed and Breakfast 178 Main St Freeport, Maine 04032

www.whitecedarinn.com