Maine is full of hidden gem hiking trails. Some wind through forested hills and others provide sweeping views of the land beneath. But, the Maine trails that we love most are the slightly windswept ones. The ones that reveal the craggy coast that Maine is known for. The salty air, the sounds of the sea hitting the rocks and the crunch of rocks and seashells beneath your feet. These just might be the best! One of our favorite trails in Maine is well-known to some, but still hidden to those who aren’t sure where to find it. We consider this to be “hidden in plain sight.” Read on for how to explore Prouts Neck Cliff Walk in Maine.
To start your walk, you’ll head to Ferry Beach and park in the parking lot, which will be free this time of year.
Google Maps edited with freemaptools.com This is roughly what your route will look like.
Once parked, you’ll head right to the beach.
Michelle Starin During the summer the beach will be filled with people, but the winter means mostly meeting people out for a stroll with a dog.
Once you’ve entered the beach, head to the left and walk to where the sand takes a sharp turn.
Michelle Starin
Then, you’ll continue the sandy portion of this walk.
Michelle Starin
While most people tackle this walk during the summer, we love the peace and quiet that comes with a winter afternoon spent along the water.
Michelle Starin
Bonus beauty points if it’s recently snowed!
Michelle Starin
When the sand ends, you’ll find a small path to your left that leads to the road, heading right to the Black Point Inn.
Michelle Starin
Remember this spot because the full loop will bring you right back here. Super simple!
Michelle Starin
Head northwest on the paved Black Rock Road (you’ll just go right once up the path from the beach) to get to the official start of Prouts Neck Cliff Walk.
Michelle Starin You’ll know you’ve arrived at the start when Black Rock Road ends in a private drive towards the Homer Winslow Property. The start of the Cliff Walk is marked by a small painted sign.
It should take about a mile to get from Ferry Beach to the start of the walk, but the views sure make it worth it!
Michelle Starin
The path is narrow throughout the year, but the winter can mean some added ice and snow.
Michelle Starin
Be sure to have the right footwear and always walk carefully.
Michelle Starin
There are lots of areas to stop and take photos.
Michelle Starin
And there are some areas that will lead off the path and towards the rocks.
Michelle Starin
The path is the safest option, but the rocks sure look fun!
Michelle Starin
Michelle Starin
Michelle Starin
You’re likely to meet some other hikers with dogs, binoculars and kids along the way.
Michelle Starin
Michelle Starin
You may even spot a snowy owl like we did!
Michelle Starin
But, mostly you’ll be on your own - free to enjoy the peace and quiet that’s hard to find here in the summer.
Michelle Starin
You’ll pass vacation homes and ultimately come to what seems to be the end of the Cliff Walk.
Michelle Starin
Here, things will flatten out and become mostly smooth rocks and sand.
Michelle Starin
But, we recommend you continue and make this walk a full loop.
Michelle Starin
There are lots of fun shells and creatures to discover!
Michelle Starin
By continuing along the beach, you’ll head to the East Point of Prouts Neck.
Michelle Starin
Be sure to look behind you for some of the best views since you’ll be continuing on rather than doing an out and back route.
Michelle Starin
Follow the path up from the beach area, and back towards the cliff area (this will be obvious by the path made by other walkers) and eventually you’ll find yourself at Scarborough Beach.
Keith Tiszenkel
Taking this route, the trail ends here, but you can also choose to begin here.
Keith Tiszenkel
Once the trail ends, you’ll be on the paved Beach Road where you’ll make a left to head back towards the Black Point Inn.
Keith Tiszenkel
You’ll know you’re back where you started when you see this corner where the inn sits.
Keith Tiszenkel This hike is really more of a walk, but note that there are some rocky areas that require steadier footing. We saw folks of all ages tackling the walk when were visited - kids to retirees! Have strong footwear with a good sole and you’ll be fine. For some extra support in the winter, consider a traction tie-on for your shoes.
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Google Maps edited with freemaptools.com
This is roughly what your route will look like.
Michelle Starin
During the summer the beach will be filled with people, but the winter means mostly meeting people out for a stroll with a dog.
You’ll know you’ve arrived at the start when Black Rock Road ends in a private drive towards the Homer Winslow Property. The start of the Cliff Walk is marked by a small painted sign.
Keith Tiszenkel
This hike is really more of a walk, but note that there are some rocky areas that require steadier footing. We saw folks of all ages tackling the walk when were visited - kids to retirees! Have strong footwear with a good sole and you’ll be fine. For some extra support in the winter, consider a traction tie-on for your shoes.
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