Marie H. Reed Breakwater Park, Rockland

The walk along the stony breakwater, from the small, sandy beach to the charming, very cute lighthouse perched the end, offers a different kind of experience than the usual seaside trails in Maine! First off, as my sister says, “It’s tick free!” Second, the views of the bay are really wonderful from the vantage of being nearly a mile out to sea.

While the granite blocks are mostly flat, there are cracks in between, so you need to watch your step. If you’re lucky, you’ll see some seals sunning on the rocks.

Directions: There are roughly 35 or so parking spots along Samoset Road, which dead-ends at the park. Park in the gravel pull-offs on the left-side of the road, in front of the golf course, and continue down Samoset Road to where it ends and turns into a gravel, wheelchair-accessible path. The runs along the beach and takes you to the beginning of the breakwater.