This 120-acre former U.S. Navy fuel depot is owned by the Town of Harpswell and includes several miles of paved and gravel paths, a sandy beach, a bandstand that hosts outdoor concerts, and the Harpswell Community Garden. It’s a great place for walking, bicycling, swimming, cross-country skiing, picnicking, and so much more. On clear days, Mount Washington is visible 80 miles to the west.
The 150-inch wide, partially paved, outer perimeter trail provides access for a variety of users. See Trail Access Information & Considerations below for more details on this access(ible) experience. The trail on the southwest side of the entrance road has slightly different conditions than that on the northeast side.
The southwest half of the trail has a fairly consistent 3-5% slope, a surface that is firm but varies from blacktop to loose gravel and a section with a 3-5+% cross slope. It also passes through trees and is more shaded.
Once you cross over the entrance road to the north side, the trail is consistently paved and smooth and passes through meadow with incredible views of Merrymeeting Bay. There are a few larger cracks in the pavement but they can be navigated with various wheeled equipment. Benches can be found regularly on this section of trail. Down by the parking, one can access the beach on foot but there is no hardened surface for wheeled equipment.
Read about MTF Accessibility Ambassador Enock Glidden's visit to these trails using his wheelchair at MTF Stories.
(Applies to outer loop)
Trail conditions can change without warning. Trail last assessed: 9/15/2026.
The Harpswell Bandstand by the Sea was constructed in 2012 and then gifted to the Town in 2013 for use by the community. Throughout the summer, weekly free concerts are held with many different genres of music. The Bandstand (and Mitchell Field) is available to rent for weddings, family reunions, etc.
The Harpswell Community Garden brings together a community of gardeners, both novice and experienced. The garden offers two sizes of rental plots, a Harpswell heritage orchard, and a children's play area. The Harpswell Community Garden is a Town-sponsored recreation program and is organized by a volunteer committee, with financial support from the Harpswell Heritage Land Trust.
PROPERTY GUIDELINES
Dogs must be on leash from 10 am - 4 pm. They are allowed off leash and under owner control at other times.*
North Beach: No dogs allowed.
South Beach: Dogs can be off leash to swim during the 10am - 4pm leashing hours.
*Under owner control is defined as: the dog is within sight and promptly returns upon command.
For additional information, visit the Town of Harpswell Recreation & Community Services website, or contact:
Town of HarpswellFrom the intersection of ME-123 and Bath Road at Bowdoin College in Brunswick, follow ME-123 south for 11 miles. Look for a sign on the right.
There are parking areas at the entrance and down by the water. Please use caution and follow the recommended speed limit when driving on marked roads.
The property is located at 1410 Harpswell Neck Road in Harpswell; coordinates N43.771211, W70.008891.
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