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SCENIC SEACOAST WALKS
Kittery Point, Maine
Easy to miss, this lovely trail winds thru thick woods and marsh on the way to Seapoint Beach. We took the short walk just in the setting sun on the day of the vernal equinox. En route we passed only one other hiker. Like we said, it’s easy to miss – but shouldn’t be.
JUMP to Rachel Carson Photos in Wells, ME
Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge
Cutts Island Trail
Rules: Dawn to dusk, carry in carry out, no camping, stick to designated trails, no firearms or alcohol,
Amenities: None, but no fees and trail markers are clear. Near to Seapoint Beach.
Dogs. Permitted on leash.
Parking: Space for a few cars at roadside, but no parking area
Directors: Just off Route 103 *Brave Boat Harbor Road) at the curve in the road along the water where Chuancey Creek Road turns into Seapoint Road.
Rachel Carson (Wells, ME) web homepage
Web site map links for Cutts Island
According to the sign, the round trip Orange Loop Trail & Spur is 1.8 miles. We cheated in the setting sun and took the Blue short cut which is only half a mile. Still our short walk brought us along the waterway, along a marsh and through a dense wood with some large pines. The trail heads slightly uphill at first and gets off to a scenic start, especially with the sun slicing through the trees. We arrived after a soaking fall rain and the pine roots and covering were really slippery, so watch your step.
This whole area near Gerrish Island and Seapoint Beach is popular with locals who like to feel they are off the beaten path, but still close to home. There are some truly unspoiled spots here, just up from the Chauncey Creek lobster house which hangs out over the river, allows dogs, and is the perfect spot to end a perfect day. The spot is popular with kayakers and is the site of an annual small boat rowing race nearby.
This is all part of the Rachel Carson Refuge that includes 7600 acres from Kittery to Cape Elizabeth. But it isn’t clear how this trail and the Wells Maine Rachel Carson trails are linked. The web links might help, or you could remains as confused as we are. Even more confusing is that Cutts Island isn't an island, Don't question, just enjoy. -- JDR
Photos by J. Dennis Robinson (c) SeacoastNH.com. |
