Maine Travel: Marginal Way and Mount Agamenticus

I have so many places to tell you about. I was looking back through my photography over the past few years and you might guess that I have photographed each place we’ve visited and I can only say that we’ve been around. For today, I want to share a day we spent last September in Ogunquit and York. Let’s dub this another in my Spend the Day series.

We packed a fine lunch of sandwiches, cut up veggies and cookies for this one, thinking that somewhere along the way; we would find a nice spot to rest and refuel.

Marginal Way is a 1 ¼ mile paved walkway that begins in the parking lot at Perkins Cove and ends at the beautiful Ogunquit Beach. The walkway meanders along the rocky shore, affording stunning views of the cove, its shops and restaurants and sailboats on the water. The beautiful day that we were there, the deep blue ocean sparkled with the sunlight. Along the walk, there are points where you can step off and take in the view from an outcrop or beach. At the start of the walk that day, some creative souls had built rock towers that as we passed, were nearing their ends as the crashing waves crept closer and closer to their bases. We walked to the end and turned around to return to where we had begun. The kids were hungry and tired. It was Labor Day weekend, a very busy time on the walk, and their desire to run was hindered by baby strollers and lots of folks enjoying the day.

Upon returning to Perkins Cove, we grabbed our portable cooler, packed with our lunches, and walked through the village to a spot at the end where we sat near a small boat launch area, on the rocks by the river outlet, and enjoyed our lunch and the view.


Though it had been many years since I had been to Marginal Way in Ogunquit, it was pretty easy to find. From Route 1 in Ogunquit, follow Shore Road. As it nears the water, Shore Road bears to the right on its way to Cape Neddick and points south. Look for the signs for Perkins Cove, staying nearly straight as the road bends. Most likely you’ll see traffic heading that way. It leads you down a narrow street which will open into a large parking area. It is well worth the few bucks to pay to park there, rather than back out on Shore Road, opting to walk into the Cove area, although there are many nice little shops along Shore Road and a good sidewalk for pedestrian use. More info on what’s in Ogunquit can be found here: http://www.ogunquit.org/

With the kids wanting to run, we thought: The Big A. That’s the local name for Mount Agamenticus in York. http://www.agamenticus.org/recreation.html Back out onto Route 1, just south of Ogunquit, bear right onto Clay Hill Road (also called Agamenticus Road and Mountain Road). Follow these directions to Mount Agamenticus Park http://www.agamenticus.org/directions.html.

From the tower you can see the Presidential Range, with Mount Washington, in New Hampshire as its star. From the lodge deck, you can see the shoreline, with the Cape Neddick lighthouse and York beaches, all the way up the coast past Kennebunkport. It was beautiful. We walked the Witch Hazel trail that day, but had previously done the horse trail. There are more extensive trails, for hiking and biking, but that would have to wait for another day. The kids especially loved the large open area where they rolled down the hill’s green grass. We saw lady slippers in the woods and enjoyed checking out the old ski tow equipment that still stands on the mountain, a glimpse of its former life. There are picnic tables and waste disposal. We have picnicked there on another visit. Maps are available at the entry and along the paths as well.



The area has so much to offer, depending on what you like to do. You could spend the whole day, or a few days, exploring Ogunquit’s stores, restaurants and beaches. There are many funky little B&B’s as well resorts and larger hotels. The beaches – well, they’re beautiful in this part of the state – just what you expect for a beach holiday – and I’ll save that for another entry.

Hope you enjoy your active day in Maine!!