The Giant’s Stairs

This is a stunning and short trail along a dramatic part of Harpswell’s coast. The preserve is named for The Giant’s Stairs, a geological curiosity. The steps are large blocks of dark basalt set within flaky coastal rocks; they descend toward the sea, as if providing a (very big) swimmer access to the ocean.

This is a popular spot, so in the summer you might want to time your visit for a weekday if you can. The seaside trail, which is about 0.25 miles from end to end, is mostly easy going, especially at the northern end. The bedrock intrudes in just a few parts of the path. (My map shows a loop you can make if you include the narrow neighborhood lanes.)

If you begin your walk at the southern end of the trail, you’ll first follow a delightful, short path through a small preserve known as MacIntosh Lot. As the trail approaches the rocky shore, it passes through low shrubbery.

Once you reach the cliffs, you can turn left (north) to follow the gravel path along the coast and check out the Giant’s Stairs, views, and all sorts of interesting rock streaked red, orange, brown, and white. Or, if your footing is secure, you can go right, following red blazes painted on the rocks to reach the “gully,” which is a deep fissure in the rock. The path passes below a couple of bungalows.

Directions: Parking is located at 19 Ocean Street, Bailey Island. From Cook’s Corner in Brunswick, follow Rt 24 south for 14.5 miles, crossing the Cribstone Bridge. Turn left on Washington Ave. There are three places to park at the Episcopal Chapel at the intersection of Washington Ave and Ocean St (except during services). If this lot is full, continue a short way farther along the road, and you’ll come to more parking spots — around 10 — on the right shoulder of the road. The lanes in this neighborhood are narrow; drive slowly!