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Mackworth Island State Park
Andrews Avenue off, US-1, Falmouth, ME 04105, United States
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Ch
Review №1

Nice trails that hug the rugged coast line of the island. Beach access is available for the sure footed. Not recommended for small children or elderly to reach the majority of the beaches. Best options for families is just down a well maintained path near the parking lot. There is also a pet cemetery for Stephan King fans

Ro
Review №2

This is a beautiful, tranquil trail that wraps around Mack Worth Island. On a sunny day, you can expect the kind of natural quiet that’s hard to find anywhere else.Through the trail you will find small makeshift fairy houses that people and children have built and left behind for the creatures of the forest. What’s truly touching is how many of them there are and the delicate care each one was built with - from the elaborate to the decorated to the simple. The shoreline is breathtaking and equally impressive. I only wish photos could do this place justice.

El
Review №3

A wonderful, very well maintained park. Plenty of space to explore even though the trail itself isnt that long. There are many spots to stop and rest or appreciate views. The fairy houses are a must see.

Jo
Review №4

Its an easy walk for anyone, can make it harder climbing rocks to get to the shoreline in spots. Great place to walk dogs, on leash of course. Its peaceful and beautiful.

As
Review №5

I come here every year. Its always beautiful and we always add a new fairy house along the trail. The paths are well maintained as well and there are benches overlooking the water in several spots.

Wi
Review №6

Nice park. Nice, easy hiking near the waters edge and through forests. People build little shelters for various fairies that I did not see. Its good to know that they have a place to go.

St
Review №7

This park is mainly from just inland of the trail to the water is the State Park. Signs are posted showing park boundaries, beyond that is private property. The trail circles the island and is wide gravel surface and has benches all around the island. I estimate it’s about 1.5 miles around the island. The trail is good for all ages and abilities and for the most part is pretty level terrain. Along the trail there are numerous access points to the shore area. The beaches are a bit rocky in places. Some shore areas are small secluded beaches or rocks. Some access trails to the shore have stairs and some pretty primitive trails that can be quite steep others fairly easy grade and crushed rock. There is limited parking area that fills up sometimes and you will need to come back later. There are no bikes allowed and pets must be leashed. There is a nominal fee per person to enter and park. It should be noted that for the most part you are walking on trail underneath the tree canopies and pretty shady even on a hot sunny day. There is usually a nice ocean breeze and you can hear the waves on the shore. You can see Fort Gorges in Portland Harbor and the Portland Skyline. The ocean is pretty calm around the island and very swimmer friendly and clear. In light of the recent shark attack quite a few miles north of here, I have not ever seen sharks around the island or heard of any sightings that I know of here. There are usually no seals at the island shore or have not heard of them being here, which are a shark favorite food. The waters around the island are inland from the real open ocean and are more of a protected harbor from the open ocean. Caution is always advised when in an ocean!

Ka
Review №8

Best walk in the Portland area. Great for kids!

Al
Review №9

Beautiful and easy walk around this small island. Some access to water. Limited parking. Beautiful views all around!

Ja
Review №10

Its a very pleasant walk. On a Monday afternoon I ran into very few other walkers, but Im sure its pretty crowded on weekends. Its very nice to have a relatively wild park like this so close to town. It was fun for my daughter to explore the trees and the fairy houses, and the slight changes in vegetation from one part of the island to the other. Pretty views of Casco Bay and islands, nice little pocket beaches. Pine trees, granite and salt water, cant get more Maine than that.

Ch
Review №11

Easy hike around the whole Island, mostly wooded, with great Casco Bay views the whole way, and lots of places to sit and enjoy the view or get down to the rocky waters edge.

Ca
Review №12

Never knew about the trail here. My son brought me along with him and my two young grandchildren... Such a beautiful path that runs along the water... Enjoyed the fairy houses... Such great fun we had... I will definitely be returning for more visits!

An
Review №13

We had such a great time visiting this beautiful little island. The trail is mostly flat and 1.25 miles long. The Pet Semetery was cool to visit if you are a SK fan and the fairy houses all over the island are adorable. Also has a couple of nice beaches. And a friendly Park Ranger!

Sc
Review №14

A nice walk to cool down in the evening. If there is no wind you will want to bring some bug spray if walking the wooded path.

Me
Review №15

A beautiful flat hike, right along the water. There are spots where you can climb down to the beach/shoreline but the trail is clear and dry. Ocean views all the way around. The fairy house spot is a cool and it would be a fun activity to do with kids.

M
Review №16

If you live fairy villages or a nice walk around a forester shoreline, this is a beautiful place

te
Review №17

A stunning loop with 100% water views. Looking forward to walking it in different seasons, and maybe clockwise next time, lol!

Ka
Review №18

Great place to explore and enjoy a shaded walk along the bay. Unfortunately, some inconsiderate people keeps tossing their full dog doo bags in the woods. We loved looking at the fairy houses and resting on the swinging benches.

Te
Review №19

It’s beautiful and very peaceful. There’s a trail that encompasses the island and makes for a nice leisurely walk. On the trail there are places where you can stop and build fairy houses from the stuff you find on the trail and in the woods edges.

Ro
Review №20

An outstanding spot to go for a nice walk by the ocean. The trail around the island is well-maintained and there are plenty of benches and swings along the way to take in the views. Being able to walk down to the beach is a huge bonus as well. The only downside here is the limited parking. Trying to visit during the summer can be an exercise in frustration when you try to find a parking spot!

Ka
Review №21

Beautiful place to walk, picnic, sun bathe, swim and all around wonderful for the family. I adore this spot. I would have to say its one of my favorite places in Maine.

So
Review №22

I found it to be quite a relaxing visit...nice walk around the island very well directed and plenty of place to look out or have a seat

Yu
Review №23

It was closed jus so yall kno ahaha

Mo
Review №24

Great little walk to do with the family or pet! Theres nice beach access around the island, too, which is perfect for your furry friends! The Fairy Village is so cute, there are some amazing creations.

ju
Review №25

I love it here. Its scenic and close to the city. The parking lot is small so get there early. The small lot is part of the appeal, as the island never gets too crowded. The path is well manicured, the beaches are great, there is also a variety of beaches, rocky/Sandy. There are also cute things the students at the school do for community enjoyment. Like the fairy village and such.I enjoy running early in the morning. Its about 1.7 miles. There is a number of hills and different terrains to keep it interesting. Not to mention the views.

Li
Review №26

Great trails and beautiful views! The smell of the ocean mixed with pine needles is incredible ️

Th
Review №27

Magically delightful as always of course

Ro
Review №28

Great place to take a walk with super water views...

Je
Review №29

I love mackworth island. So beautiful.

Ry
Review №30

Fairy, fairy fun for all.

Da
Review №31

Very beautiful, serene, and peaceful. Grab a coffee and walk the Rocky shores

Vi
Review №32

Great place to bring the kids. They loved walking around finding shells. There is barely any parking and there is no shade so keep that in mind if you are planning a trip there.

Jo
Review №33

Beautiful walking trail experience! My kids loved it, it was an easy hike and the scenery was beautiful. Make sure to slow down and build a fairy house. You cant miss them!

ta
Review №34

Beautiful place great memories

Ky
Review №35

PROS: This is a nice, small island park in the Portland harbor twenty minutes from downtown Portland Maine. The main trail is a 1.2. mile flat walk trail around the shore of the island.CONS: Weekend summer visits can be a challenge for parking. Go early to avoid parking hassles.SUMMARY: If you need a nature fix from downtown Portland ME this is a great option.

Ri
Review №36

Nice little loop. Not much else to do except take a stroll about a mile around the island. Sure is purdy though

Em
Review №37

Well maintained and easily navigated trails. There was a lot of paths down to the ocean and a wonderful beach. Dogs allowed leashed of course. Small admission fee but worth it!

Lu
Review №38

What a wonderful place to walk!

Za
Review №39

Nice quiet spot...fun place to bring a dog.

Al
Review №40

A beautiful walk, lots of nice views & little surprises. The fairy village is a must see & the bench swings overlooking the ocean were lovely.

Fr
Review №41

Great place for a family outing . Parking lot is small so expect a wait but worth it . Great walking trails and beautiful scenery.

Wi
Review №42

My kids absolutely love this place.

ma
Review №43

Beautiful walk, but I only go during the off season. Trails do get very slippery after a rain so I recommend hiking boots or similar footwear. Gets very crowded during warmer weather and there is so little parking that you might not get to visit at all.

Kh
Review №44

Small well kept island with a really scenic trail

SA
Review №45

I love this walk around Mackworth Island and I plan to do it more often as the weather improves. My rating would have been 5 stars except for some very muddy areas due to recent rains. I learned from a young girl that we cant see the fairies who live in the fairy village since they only come out at midnight!

Hu
Review №46

Very nice walk for someone just looking to get their body moving for an hour or so. Has access to the beach from the trail and also has a restroom at the beginning of the trail.

An
Review №47

Very nice place for a walk along the water. Easy, mostly flat trail. Lots of access points to the beaches and water. Nice views. Parking area is fairly large but can fill up so be prepared for that. They will turn you away when it is full. An option suggested was to park back across the causeway and walk back. Just make sure you find a street without no parking signs. For Falmouth residents there are 3 parking spots reserved just before the causeway on the right. Fairly busy place, lots of families enjoying the water. Plenty of benches along the trail to rest or take in the views. There is also a fairy house area. Dog friendly.

Ma
Review №48

Great place for a walk along Casco Bay.

Ch
Review №49

The views were nice and relaxing, I love this island!

Da
Review №50

Well maintained trail around the circumference of the island. Several auxiliary trails provide beach access. Forest scenes and water views aplenty.

Ro
Review №51

Great walking trail and amazing views of Casco Bay.

Li
Review №52

Nice, flat hiking trail. Great views and unique attractions (elfin homes built by local children).

Sa
Review №53

Mackworth Island is a favorite trail of mine in the Portland area. Dogs are allowed, on leash. Parking is the main issue. I try to avoid during peak times, otherwise you might have a wait.

Ha
Review №54

Nice trails, pier and beeches. Had a fun time exploring my old school grounds.

Vi
Review №55

Great trail many photo spots awesome place for tide pooling fishing and just hanging on the beach

Be
Review №56

Loved the trail!! Well maintained and lots of scenic stopping points. I want to see a sun rise/sunset here! Once you have crossed the causeway on the main Rd in you will come to the little shack where you can pay if there is an attendant. Immediately after that on the right is a parking area with a public restroom. There is also a small box for a fee deposit if the gatehouse was not staffed. From the parking lot there are several direct spots to access the Beach or to proceed to the trail around the island. There are numerous little access points to the shore line which are fun to explore when the tide is out. Halfway around there is a really cool little wooded area with a sign inviting people to leave a fairy house. It has very clear rules and is quite charming. The middle of the island is the school for the deaf and I dont believe the public is invited so please be respectful of their privacy.

A
Review №57

For those who like to be outside and on the shore, this is a great place to visit and hike. The views are very good. A peaceful place.

Er
Review №58

Love this place just wish I didnt have to pay like it use to be.

Br
Review №59

A jewel in the bay...Tell the fairies I sent you!

br
Review №60

Good place to hike. Not a lot of parking

Ti
Review №61

Nice quick walk with some swimming sites.

Le
Review №62

It gorgeous here. Careful today. Very icy. Wear yaktraks or other traction to be safe.

Vi
Review №63

One of the top 10 destinations in Maine. Fish under the bridge, watch the Cruise ships dock from the North East end. The shallow water gets warm in June/July. Nice trail!

La
Review №64

Awesome place to walk with your dog

Pi
Review №65

Icy on the trails right now, but always a beautiful walk.

Do
Review №66

Great walk! Not a lot of parking.

an
Review №67

Quaint little island. Some nice beaches. There is a path around the island. About a mile and a half around.

Lu
Review №68

Great place to bring your dog!!

Je
Review №69

Beautiful views, a very clean place.

Jo
Review №70

Peaceful and great view. The trail is fantastic for people that love to hike.

Su
Review №71

Granddaughter and I had a nice time walking and checking out the fairy houses. Special time.

Pa
Review №72

Fantastic hiking opportunity for little ones. The fairies on the island will capture their imaginations for an entire afternoon.

Mi
Review №73

I sincerely believe Stephen King got his idea for Pet Cemetery here. A nice walk and beautiful

Et
Review №74

Great place for a short hike especially in the fall! Amazing views, and it loops all the way around.

ca
Review №75

My and my dogs favorite place to go

Ka
Review №76

Very nice place to walk. Lots of coastline. Find lots of shells , crabs, hermit crabs , fairy houses in the woods

Ja
Review №77

Such a nice simple trail. The clash of smells between the tree line and the ocean is something Ill remember for the rest of my life

Ry
Review №78

Great place for toddlers and young kids. Bring water shoes for kids as the beach is more pebble than sand and shells can be sharp. Parking can be a challenge.

Ju
Review №79

Short flat trail circles the island with beautiful views and spots to go down closer to the water, lovely spot

St
Review №80

Great location to walk the dog and build a fairy house with the kids - decent striper fishing as well

Ma
Review №81

My 3 kids, wife, and Is favorite place for a great little hike. Perfect size for the kiddos.

Pa
Review №82

Great place to walk, take pictures, just set and think. Beautiful any time of the year

Ri
Review №83

This was a great hike easy fairly flat walk love it

Ch
Review №84

Great place for a nice, short hike

mi
Review №85

We took a slow winter walk around half the island, my yak tracks came in handy.

Je
Review №86

An easy island trail for the days when you dont want to wait for a ferry. Fee to enter. Beaches, fishing, rock ledges...

Ke
Review №87

Small central island to enjoy a leisurely 1.5 mile walk. Go early, there is minimal parking and only one car allowed to wait at a time. Hunt for geocaches and Pokemon.

Ca
Review №88

Beautiful place for a stroll and picnic with the family

Pa
Review №89

Nice place to go for a walk, though the parking lot is often full.

Jo
Review №90

Great trail system

Be
Review №91

Awesome views!

Li
Review №92

Great place to walk with the kids and dogs. Go early for parking

Wi
Review №93

The island is one of the most peaceful places around Portland to enjoy the day. If you go, be sure to visit Fairy Village.

Co
Review №94

An absolute treasure. Come hike, relax and explore.

Ja
Review №95

Awesome place to get some fresh air, take in the views and walk around the entire island. Parking is limited.

Ja
Review №96

Kid friendly hike with beach access and fairy houses.

Ma
Review №97

Awesome views. Amazing place to visit!

Jo
Review №98

Macworth is a good place for a peaceful walk with contemplative partners. Its not really a family park, but I have seen families there at low tide.

Ka
Review №99

Nice easy stroll with beautiful scenery

Ma
Review №100

Limited parking in the summer. Perfect spot for a walk in the woods close to Portland and vicinity.

Information
100 Photos
100 Comments
4.8 Rating
  • Address:Andrews Avenue off, US-1, Falmouth, ME 04105, United States
  • Site:http://www.maine.gov/cgi-bin/online/doc/parksearch/details.pl?park_id=57
  • Phone:+1 207-781-6279
Categories
  • State park
  • Tourist attraction
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair-accessible entrance:Yes
Amenities
  • Good for kids:Yes
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