Every hike in Maine is a beautiful experience, whether muddling through a bog, making your way through the forest, or looking out over the ocean. But the ones we love the most these days offer great views and the salty air that we’ve come to associate with being in Maine. If you’re looking for more ways to get closer to the water you’ll want to head to Bailey Island to explore this rocky route. Located in Harpswell, Giant’s Stairs in Maine is a unique formation of rocks leading into the water that actually looks like the perfect staircase for a giant.

Giant's Stairs Trail is a 0.7-mile route that begins on Bailey Island, near beautiful Harpswell.
Google Maps
To find it, cross the Cribstone Bridge (more information on that beauty at the end of this article!) and make your way to the end of Ocean Street. This is where you'll find the trailhead, which is marked and not terribly hard to find.
westie2 / TripAdvisor
The trail, which hugs the coast, provides incredible views of Casco Bay. And, if the conditions are right, you'll be able to see all the way out to the Atlantic Ocean.
Jake_MA_11 / TripAdvisor
And, the area can be visited throughout the year. This is always important in Maine when the weather can get cold and icy. Just be sure to take caution when walking as colder conditions can make the trail slippery.
annmarie matta / alltrails.com
While the views are certainly incredible, we especially love hearing the waves hit the rocks. This action send quintessential sea-spray into the air.
Greg Pence / alltrails.com
While we've all come to expect the Maine coast to be rocky, this particular section has been eroded by continuous waves hitting the shore. That has forced the rocks to form into the shape of stairs.
kierraxo / TripAdvisor
But these stairs are so huge they look better suited for a family of giants climbing out of the sea than for you or I!
Antinoocruz / TripAdvisor
The route is out-and-back, which means you'll eventually come to a place where the path ends. When that happens, simply turn around and head back the same way you came.
BrussoDallas / TripAdvisor
We love this trail year-round. In the winter there's something special about the grey tones, but in the summer things are lush and green.
Kjell Nordstrom / Maine Trail Finder
This is a beautiful way to see Maine at her finest. We hope you'll make the trip!
Kjell Nordstrom / Maine Trail Finder
If you do, let us know how you liked it and if you have any tips for other readers.

Giant’s Stairs Trail is accessible throughout the year, but always take care when navigating in wet or snowy conditions. Rocks and the ground surrounding the trail can become quite slippery. If you love adventuring with your pup you’ll love that they can come too, just be sure to keep them on a leash. To learn more about the route check out the Giants Stairs Trail page on AllTrails. You can also check out the official website for the town of Harpswell to get more information.

If you love to hike and plan on doing more of it, consider an upgrade to AllTrails+ which allows for offline map downloads and wrong turn notifications.

While you’re in the area you should certainly plan some extra time to explore beyond the trail. We recommend considering a vacation rental for the weekend. And, if you’re in search of something else to explore, I absolutely love the unique Cribstone Bridge.

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Giant's Stairs in Maine

Michelle S. | July 13, 2023

Which hikes in Maine are best in the winter?

There are a number of hikes in Maine that are best in the winter. Here are a few to try:

  • The Wonderland Trail, Acadia National Park, Mount Desert Island: Make your way to Acadia in the winter to enjoy this 1.6-mile out-and-back route. It's rated as easy, so it's also good for new hikers.
  • The Osgood Trail, Blue Hill: One of two trails on this little hill, the snowy views over the water from the top are lovely.
  • Peggity’s Path, McLellan-Poor Preserve, Northport: This little-known trail is great for winter hikers to want some peace and quiet. The views are great and the solitude might be even better.

 

Of course, there are many trails in Maine that can be enjoyed in the winter. Some of the best include water views along the coast of Maine.

What are the best family-friendly hikes in Maine?

The best family-friendly hikes in Maine are great for both kids and adults. They can be found throughout the state. Here are a few good ones to try:

  • Cathance River Trail, Cathance River Nature Preserve, Topsham: This under-the-radar trail is a lovely and simple route that can be done in an afternoon. The hike is 4.3 miles and leads to some lovely local views.
  • Warren Woods Trail Loop, Elaine Stimson Warren Woods, Scarborough: This area has frontage on Nonesuch River, which means it's great for helping to teach kids about the ecology of Maine.
  • The China School’s Forest Trail, China: Located in the small town of China, this trail can be found in the forest and is perfect for curious kids and adults.

 

There are also quite a few hikes within Acadia National Park that are perfect for families.

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