Day trip ideas

Question

This May 14 we will be driving from Portland to Raymond, NH for dinner.

We will have most of the day free beforehand and wondered on some destination recommendations?

We are open to moderate hiking, beautiful towns, covered bridges, etc.

Would love any recommendations that you may have to offer. Thanks ahead of time.

Answer

It sounds like you have a wonderful day ahead of you with a scenic drive and the opportunity to explore some beautiful places in Maine before heading to Raymond, NH. Here are a few suggestions for destinations you can visit along the way, combining moderate hikes, charming towns, and some picturesque covered bridges:

Portland Head Light (Cape Elizabeth) – Just a short drive from Portland, this iconic lighthouse sits on a stunning cliff overlooking the Atlantic. There’s a lovely walking trail around the park, which offers fantastic views of the coastline. It’s a great place for a leisurely walk, photography, and enjoying the ocean breeze.
Scarborough Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary – If you’re into birdwatching or want a peaceful stroll in nature, this 3,100-acre marshland offers beautiful trails and wildlife spotting opportunities. The paths here are easy to moderate, with a chance to spot all kinds of birds, including herons and osprey.
Freeport and Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park – A charming town known for outlets and a lovely coastal setting. If you want to go for a hike, head to Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park, which offers moderate hiking trails that lead to stunning views of Casco Bay. It’s a peaceful, quiet spot with the added bonus of being near the shops of Freeport.
Brunswick and Harpswell – If you’re up for a longer drive, consider heading toward Brunswick and the nearby town of Harpswell. Harpswell is known for its picturesque coastal views, old wooden docks, and beautiful walking trails along the water. A quick stop at the iconic “Giant’s Stairs” hiking trail in Harpswell will treat you to dramatic cliff views of the bay.
Lovell (Covered Bridges) – If you’re in the mood for something more off the beaten path, head toward the town of Lovell, where you can explore a few classic New England covered bridges. The drive through the small town and surrounding areas is scenic, with winding country roads that make for a lovely adventure.
White Mountains (New Hampshire) – If you have more time for a slightly longer drive, consider venturing toward the White Mountains for some moderate hiking. The Crawford Notch area in New Hampshire is famous for its stunning mountain views, waterfalls, and hiking trails like the Mount Willard Trail, which is fairly moderate and offers incredible vistas of the valley.

Depending on how much time you have, you can combine a couple of these options for a relaxing, scenic day. If you’re more into hiking, Wolfe’s Neck Woods and the White Mountains offer some beautiful natural trails, while towns like Freeport and Harpswell provide both hiking opportunities and the charm of coastal New England towns.

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