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| Morse Mountain - Seawall Beach Phippsburg, Maine |
The objective of this hike was the view above. Similar to our hike through the Cutler Reserve, we knew we were getting close when we could hear the pounding surf and the trees were thinning out. Unlike the cliffs of Cutler, there was a nice sandy slope to the beach here.
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| Sprague River marshland in the fog |
Along the way, on both sides of the mountain, we passed through tidal marsh lands. My guess is these are prime water birding spots although we didn't see anything except woodpeckers on the trail today.
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| Bridge over the tidal river |
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| Rock on the trail. |
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| Morse Mountain trail |
The trail is somewhat 'paved' with macadam almost, but not quite, covering small outcroppings of granite. In some places the tar is completely disintegrated and nature is taking over again. From the parking lot you'll traverse: macadam, gravel, sand and combinations of all three. Everyone we saw had good sneaks or hiking boots, this isn't a flip flop walk. Even though I only took pix on the relatively flat sections, the trail does climb to 180' in a short time. (Anyone who generally climbs in the Rockies can fall over laughing right about now, but this is a big hill here.) Then, just when you think you're headed downhill for keeps, you're going back uphill again.
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| Haunted tree |
Looks like it was hit by lightening a long time ago.
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| Seawall Beach Phippsburg Maine |
Ahhhhhh! The beach! Nothing but sand and ocean as far as the eye could see. Low tide so we could walk quite a long way before reaching the rivers on either side.
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| Happy camper! |
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| Seawall Beach Phippsburg Maine |
How to get there from White Cedar Inn:
Turn right on Rt 1 in front of the house and head toward Bath. Turn off Rt 1 at Rt 209. Take Rt 209 to Rt 216 (Rt 216 goes straight, Rt 209 turns left). On Rt 216 when you see the 'No Parking' signs you're getting close. Turn left on Morse Mountain Rd, go to the parking lot. There is a fee in the summer, the rest of the time it's the honor system to pay to enter. If the parking lot is full you'll have to go to Popham Beach instead.
As this is a conservation area there are no facilities and certain items are not allowed on the beach (loud music, pets, kites, umbrellas, etc). Everything you carry in you must carry out with you when you leave.
From the parking lot it is 2 miles to the beach. Again, uphill both ways.
FMI on the conservation land check the Morse Mountain - Bates College website.
White Cedar Inn Bed and Breakfast 178 Main St Freeport, Maine 04032
1 comment:
This sounds like a great hike, thanks for posting. photos are great!
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