Hiking in Maine

Winslow Memorial Park and Campground, owned by the town of Freeport, Maine, is a 100-campsite campground, beach, and park on a narrow peninsula between the Harraseeket River and Casco Bay. During 2022, Winslow Park will be open for camping from May 26th through October 1st. A map of the property, including trails, can be found here. According to the Town’s website, the 90-acre park was a 1953 gift from Adelaide Winslow Harb in memory of her mother, Delia B. Powers Winslow with the understanding that the land and its buildings, “… shall be used as a public park and for public recreational purposes…” A day-use fee is charged during the summer months (Freeport Residents: $2.00 per person; Non-Residents: $3.00 per person). Day use hours are from 8 a.m. to 30 minutes after sunset for use of all facilities, including trails.

The trails at Winslow Park are named in a simple fashion, and we made a loop of the Scenic Trail and Self-Guided Nature Trail, using Winslow Park Way to connect these short loops, for a 2.5 mile hike lasting about an hour. The footing was a bit mucky on the late April day we visited, but it was a small price to pay to avoid crowds and fees and see the stunning coastal views. We started with the Scenic Trail, accessed from the parking lot to the immediate left of the entrance gate. A wide, flat trail encircles the small wooded peninsula jutting out into the Harraseeket River. We continued on Winslow Park Way, then veered left past a picnic area towards a sign marked “Trails” to rejoin the Scenic Trail, which then became the Self-Guided Nature Trail.

From May to October, this trail would be noisier and more crowded, as it passes multiple campsites. In the calm before Maine’s summer storm of tourists, we enjoyed the quiet views of the Harraseeket River, including a pair of diving ospreys. The trail viewpoints are punctuated by benches from which hikers can sit and watch the water. The trail leads to a scenic overlook at Stockbridge Point, directly past a cottage available for rental. Next to the cottage is a fishing pier that extends into Casco Bay.

Using Winslow Park Road to head back and avoid private property, we turned left at the “Trails” sign by the camping area to walk alongside the ocean, where sparrows, cardinals, goldfinches, and pine warblers flew overhead, and into nests in trees and boxes. We walked out on the stones of Mitchell Pier, and across the bay, we could clearly see Moshier and Little Moshier and Cousins Islands. Back towards the entrance of the campground, groups picnicked together while their children played in the large playground in the center. A large sandy beach with a boat ramp lay unused, waiting for summer. This beautiful oceanfront park is a great family destination, with tidepools and a playground to explore, and picnic tables with stunning views.