Jointly managed by the Town of Harpswell and the Harpswell Heritage Land Trust, the Giant's Stairs Trail begins at the eastern end of Ocean Street and provides a 0.3 mile, shore walk featuring spectacular views of eastern Casco Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. The name ‘Giant’s Stairs’ refers to the interesting erosion pattern of the volcanic dikes in the rock. Given the rocky coast, high waves often create huge crashing surf on the cliffs.
The Town portion of the trail extends along the shore to Little Harbor. To complete a loop (approximately 0.5 mile) to Washington Avenue and back to the parking area at the Episcopal chapel, take the indicated trail across the shrubby MacIntosh Lot Preserve, a 1 acre parcel of shrub-scrub land off Washington Avenue on Bailey Island slightly to the west of the Giant's Stairs.
Giant's Stairs Trail is open dawn to dusk to pedestrian use only. Please stay on the trail and respect the adjacent landowner's privacy. Motor vehicles and bicycles are not allowed. Please follow a carry in, carry out policy taking only pictures and leaving only footprints. Open fires and camping are not allowed.
Dogs must be on a leash.
Visit Harpswell Heritage Land Trust online for more information or contact:
Take ME-24 (Harpswell Islands Road) south across the Cribstone Bridge to Bailey Island. Proceed 1.5 miles south. Just beyond the Mackerel Cove view on the right, turn left onto Washington Avenue. Park at the Episcopal Church (only when there are not services) or along the street, without obstructing traffic. Walk east to the end of Ocean Street or south along Washington Avenue to either end of the trail where signs are posted. Parking is limited.
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