Go hiking or biking in Kennebunkport

Go hiking or biking in Kennebunkport

Kennebunkport, Maine is a picturesque coastal town that offers a variety of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy. One of the most popular activities in the area is hiking and biking, thanks to the town’s numerous trails and scenic views. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best places to hike and bike in Kennebunkport.

Kennebunkport Conservation Trust

The Kennebunkport Conservation Trust is a non-profit organization that manages over 1,400 acres of land in and around Kennebunkport. The trust has several trails that are perfect for hiking and biking, including the Edwin L. Smith Preserve and the Emmons Preserve. Both of these preserves have well-marked trails that range in difficulty from easy to moderate.

The Edwin L. Smith Preserve is a great place to take a leisurely bike ride or hike. The trail is about 2 miles long and winds through a mix of forest and meadow. The Emmons Preserve is a bit more challenging, with steeper hills and more rugged terrain. However, the reward is worth the effort – the preserve offers stunning views of the surrounding area.

Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge

The Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge is located just a short drive from Kennebunkport and offers over 5,000 acres of protected land to explore. The refuge has several trails that are perfect for hiking and biking, including the Carson Trail and the Little River Trail.

The Carson Trail is a 1.4-mile loop that takes visitors through a mix of forest, fields, and salt marshes. The trail is relatively flat and easy, making it a great choice for families with young children or beginner hikers and bikers. The Little River Trail is a bit more challenging, with some steep hills and more rugged terrain. However, the trail offers stunning views of the Little River and the surrounding salt marsh.

Eastern Trail

The Eastern Trail is a 65-mile multi-use trail that runs from Kittery to South Portland. The trail is open to hikers, bikers, and horseback riders, and offers a mix of paved and unpaved sections. The section of the trail that runs through Kennebunkport is particularly scenic, with views of salt marshes, beaches, and forests.

One of the best places to access the Eastern Trail in Kennebunkport is at the Southern Maine Health Care campus on Route 1. From there, visitors can bike or hike north towards Biddeford, or south towards Wells. The trail is well-maintained and relatively flat, making it a great option for cyclists of all levels.

Laudholm Farm

Laudholm Farm is a historic property located just a short drive from Kennebunkport. The property is managed by the Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve and offers several miles of trails for hiking and biking. The trails wind through fields, forests, and salt marshes, and offer stunning views of the surrounding area.

One of the most popular trails at Laudholm Farm is the Beach Trail. This trail takes visitors through a wooded area and down to the beach, where they can enjoy views of the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding coastline. The trail is relatively easy and suitable for hikers and bikers of all levels.

Cape Porpoise Harbor

Cape Porpoise Harbor is a picturesque harbor located just a short drive from Kennebunkport. The harbor is home to several fishing boats and lobster traps, and offers stunning views of the surrounding coastline. Visitors can park their cars at the pier and take a leisurely bike ride or hike along the shoreline.