Stover’s Point Preserve, Harpswell

At the tip of Harpswell Neck is a four-acre preserve with a gravelly sand beach, a rushing stream and a salt marsh. Popular with sea birds (and on the day I went, a flock of Canada geese) and views in every direction, this seems like a good place to have lunch, and a swim in season, after exploring some of Harpswell’s other trails.

But it is very difficult to park in the small neighborhood of narrow lanes and tightly packed cottages behind the preserve. I recommend walking or biking in. People with high-clearance vehicles can drive the gnarly, eroded lane down to the beach and park on the gravelly high part of the beach.

Directions: From the intersection of Harpswell Neck Road (Route 123) and Mountain Road, drive south on Harpswell Neck Road drive south on Harpswell Neck Road 5.7 miles. Soon after passing the old West Harpswell School, turn left on Stover’s Cove Road. Take your first right on Stover’s Point Road. Veer left. At the sign for Windsor Road, stay straight. Follow the road as it curves to the right, then take a left on a gravel road. You’ll see a land trust sign here. The gravel road is very poorly maintained and not easily passable for low-clearance cars. Once you get to the beach, continue straight around the bend. You’ll reach the first of several parking areas.