Giant Stairs, Harpswell

This is a stunning, albeit short, trail along a particularly dramatic part of Harpswell’s coast. The preserve is named for the Giant Stairs, a geological curiosity. The stairs look like blocks of darker rock set within the flaky coastal rocks, and they descend into the frothy sea. The trail is well marked, and offers mostly easy going, especially at the northern end of the trail.

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) or continue a short way further along the road, and you’ll come to more parking spots — around 10 — on the right shoulder of the road.