on dry land
Hike miles of trails, go birding, or shoot a birdie on the golf course.
there’s More to do
Once you have had a chance to spend time on our spectacular beaches, we invite you to take advantage of the area’s other recreational activities.
Hike through a near-pristine tidal marsh. Explore the ins and outs at Fort Foster. Even scratch golfers and weekend duffers will find a wide choice of golf courses. Getting off the beach gives you the perfect opportunity to see another spectacular side of our region.
Time On the Trail
These days, hitting the trail doesn’t require a trip to the mountains or deep into the woods. Just look around. You’ll quickly find a way to get off the beaten path and into nature—even in town. Hike or ride the neatly paved Eastern Trail (from Kittery to Canada) or trek through a coastal marsh at the Wells Reserve at Laudholm.
Trail riders will love it here, too. Ride the rooted and twisting trails that crisscross Biddeford‘s Clifford Park or pedal alongside the scenic Mousam River. Explore the wonder along the six-mile multi-use Sanford-Springvale Rail Trail.
The drive to the summit of Mount Agamenticus is quick. The top offers ocean views or, to the northwest, a look at the Presidential Range and Mount Washington. And while Mount A rises just a modest 692 feet, its thrill comes on the ride down as it spreads out over an impressive 30,000 acres, making it a nearly perfect venue for outdoor recreation with miles of trails for hiking, biking, ATV, equestrian, and seasonal activities. There is even a universally accessible trail called “The Big A.”
Load up your bike or rent from one of our many outfitters offering everything from bikes to racks and gear. Hit the trails of the Kennebunk Land Trust, Kennebunkport Conservation Trust or Arundle Conservation Trust. Experienced riders won’t want to miss Parsonfield’s single-track rides in the northwest corner of York County. The area offers rolling foothills carpeted in tall trees and more than 25 miles of memorable (and challenging) rides. Consider joining a guided tour or customized excursion, or hiring a private guide who knows all the best trails.
Natural Wonder
Birding is one of the most popular activities in Wells’ Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge, a 50-mile swath of coastline habitat that contains flora and fauna found nowhere else. Have a camera handy for the chance to capture nature; birders should bring binoculars. Our mix of lowland forests and coastal estuaries along the Atlantic Flyway make an ideal spot for migrating waterfowl.
Those looking for the perfect place to picnic might want to seek out a cheery town green, secluded forests, or coastal byway to enjoy the sights and sounds of the natural world.
Slow your pace and listen to birds sharing news of your presence with their flighty friends. Touch the leaves and mossy rocks. With this simple act of slowing down in places apart from the daily crush of life, you may experience a calming euphoria that comes with the ancient and profoundly transformative practice of forest bathing.
Golf, of Course
Bring your clubs to play one of a dozen historic courses spread across the area. Presidents, professional athletes, and movie stars have participated in locally-run benefit tournaments at the historic Cape Arundel Golf Course. The PGA includes Saco, Wells, and York on its top Maine golfing destinations, explicitly calling out the Championship course at The Ledges in York. Don’t overlook the possibility of a round at the Donald Ross-designed (front 9) at the Biddeford-Saco Country Club or a quiet morning on the course at Sanford Country Club—an 18-hole, semi-private club.
