State Parks – Greater Portland & Casco Bay
Two Lights State Park, Cape Elizabeth, Maine.
Bradbury Mountain State Park
Bradbury Mountain State Park (528 Hallowell Road, Pownal; 207-688-4712) encompasses 800 acres of wooded, mountainous land. It’s packed with hiking trails, from a ¼-mile hike to the top of Bradbury Mountain to shared-use trails for horses, snowmobiles, mountain bikers and hikers. This park is open year-round and offers 35 campsites — hot showers included — picnic areas and a ballfield. Pets are welcome. Entrance fees start at $3 for adult residents, $4.50 for non-residents, $1.50 for seniors and $1 for children.
Crescent Beach State Park
Crescent Beach State Park (66 Two Lights Road, Cape Elizabeth; 207-799-5871) offers 243 acres of sandy beaches, forests and coves to explore. This day-use park is named for its mile-long, moon-shaped beach; its warm water and light surf make it popular for swimming and sea kayaking. The park also has trails for summer hiking and winter cross-country skiing. Crescent Beach is closed to vehicles in the winter; the beachfront bathhouse and snack bar are open from Memorial to Columbus Day and pets aren’t allowed. Entrance fees start at $4.50 for adult residents, $6.50 for non-residents, $2 for seniors and $1 for children.
Scarborough Beach State Park
Scarborough Beach State Park (414 Blackpoint Road, Scarborough; 207-883-2416) offers some of Maine’s warmest swimming; in July and August, water temperatures reach the high 60s. This day-use park also offers beachcombing, sea kayaking and bird watching. It’s a popular destination with a limited number of parking spaces, so try to arrive early in the summer. Leave Fido at home between April and October. There’s no entrance fee at this park.
Two Lights State Park
Two Lights State Park (7 Tower Drive, Cape Elizabeth; 207-799-5871) offers 41 acres of rocky coastal views. This popular park overlooks Casco Bay and two nearby lighthouses. Visitors can picnic at 60 sites — many with grills — have a clambake, walk along the ocean or try saltwater angling. There’s also a group shelter and a playground. Leave pets at home. Entrance fees start at $3 for adult residents, $4.50 for non-residents, $1.50 for seniors and $1 for children.
Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park
Just a few miles from Freeport, Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park (426 Wolfe’s Neck Road, Freeport; 207-865-4465) sits on 233 acres of salt marshes, hemlock and white pine forest along the shores of Cosco Bay and Haraseekeet River. Home to ospreys and loons, this park offers 5 miles of flat trails perfect for hiking, bird watching, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, as well as several picnic areas. Join a ranger-led nature program or attend a birding event. Leashed pets are allowed. Entrance fees start at $3 for adult residents, $4.50 for non-residents, $1.50 for seniors and $1 for children.
View Greater Portland & Casco Bay State Parks in a larger map