Bowdoin Coastal Studies Center

This trail system covers a diversity of ecosystems along Harpswell Sound. Explore spruce-fir forests, cedar swamps, or walk out to Wyer Island at low tide. Plenty of wildlife year round.
Trail Activity
Snowshoeing Cross-country-skiing Hiking
Length
3.90 miles, Network
Difficulty
Moderate
Town
Harpswell
Pets
Permitted
Fees
No

Description

The Bowdoin College Coastal Studies center is home to the Bowdoin Sailing Team as well as the Bowdoin Marine Science Laboratory. Despite college uses, the property is home to a public hiking trail system which is open 24/7, and is dog friendly (leash required).

This network of seven trails covers most of the 113 acres owned and maintained by the college. Trails meander through a variety of ecosystems: old orchards, cedar swamps, intertidal zones and spruce-fir forests. The paths are relatively flat and easy, although be careful when roots and rocks are wet, as the tread is often uneven.

This property is situated on a peninsula with 2.5 miles of shoreline, perfect for viewing a variety of birds or to watch the lobster boats at work. Wildlife abounds here, with plenty of opportunities to view deer, fox, osprey, bald eagles and even the occasional harbor seal. During the summer, walk the fields and admire the variety of wildflowers, or take your shoes off and wade in the cool ocean water. During low tide you can walk across a sandbar to Wyer Island, or investigate the many sea shells washed up on shore. The peninsula terminates at Dog's Head, a perfect place to eat a picnic lunch and watch horseshoe crabs. In the winter months, the fields and trails are great for snowshoeing and cross country skiing, and you may find that you have the whole place all to yourself.

Other Information

There are no public restrooms on the site. Carry in/carry out. Be aware of ticks, poison ivy and brown tail moth. Walk the driveway to the very end to enjoy the views from the pier. 

Trail Manager

These trails are maintained by the Bowdoin College Coastal Studies Center. A more detailed map is available on their website.

Bowdoin College Coastal Studies Center

Bowdoin College Coastal Studies Center
240 Bayview Road
Harpswell, ME 04066
Phone: (207)-837-5422
jtourtel@bowdoin.edu
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Trail Tips

Plan Ahead and Prepare
Be prepared for emergencies. Pack extra clothing, food, and water and also a flashlight, first aid and repair kit, matches/fire starters, whistle, signaling mirror, and pocket knife.
Legend
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Trailhead Information

From the intersection of Mountain Road and Harpswell Island Road (ME-24), follow Harpswell Islands Road south toward Orr's Island. Approximately two miles after crossing onto Orr's Island from Great Island take a right onto Bayview Road. At the end of Bayview Road continue on a dirt drive that is the entrance to the Coastal Studies Center. The trail kiosk and parking are 0.25 miles in.

Click on a parking icon to get custom directions
Please Log In or Create Account to add comments.
holtzi
August 14, 2020
Lots of varied terrain from roots and rocks, fields, bog bridges, packed earth, and lots of ocean access. Our dogs enjoyed this walk as much as we did. Sorry for the sideways tail map, it won't let me rotate it.
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