St. Anthony Franciscan Monastery Trail, Kennebunk

The Franciscan monastery is just minutes from Kennebunkport’s downtown and offers a peaceful contrast to the busy, commercial center. The friars invite the public onto their estate — which includes a guest house, paved walking trails, and gardens designed by the Frederick Law Olmsted Brothers. The public is welcome during opening hours, from sunrise to sunset. Though St. Francis loved animals, the monastery does not allow pets. But there is a gift shop on site that includes a few items for animal lovers.

There are shrines and outdoor chapels throughout the monastery, which was established in 1947 by the Lithuanian Friars of St. Casimir after they fled the Soviet invasion of Lithuania. Many of the shrines contain Lithuanian architectural details.

The trails have views of the river, nearby town, and small harbor, and wind through gardens and along the Kennebunk River as it empties into the sea. Most of the pathways are paved and somewhat narrow; a few sections are a bit worn and moss covered. Also seen on one of my visits: a gardener, on a break, feeding ducks and many people strolling the grounds.

To find the trail system, look for a paved trail that leaves the driveway about 200 feet south of guesthouse parking lot. It crosses a field to a prominent outdoor chapel. Then it’ll curve around a pond and a shrine before it enters the woods where you can do a loop along the river. Be sure to check out the little unpaved side path on the north end of the estate that brings you to a small promontory with views of the town and harbor. The loop will eventually bring you to the gift shop. You can also take a spur on the south end of the property to a view of the river and old wharf pilings.

Directions: From the south, take the Maine Turnpike to Wells, Exit 19. At the end of the ramp, turn left at the traffic light onto Rt. 109 South for 1.6 miles. At the next traffic light, turn left onto Rt. 1 north for 1.8 miles. Turn right on Rt. 9 east for 4.2 miles until you come to the intersection of Routes 9 & 35 (Western Ave & Beach Ave). There is a Sunoco Station on the corner. Take a right onto Beach Avenue. The monastery is 0.2 miles on your left. Park in the guesthouse lot.