mackworth island

KayE140971

Mackworth is a cozy, lovely island whose walking path is just over a mile around. For novice hikers, be prepared for some ups and downs of terrain. Probably a challenge for wheelchairs, although there is a small area of flat ground adjacent to the small parking lot. In nice weather, parking is an issue. Not much to say about that, except it's probably better to expect it and that you may need to find a place to park on the other side of the bridge which leads out to the island, which will put another length onto your walk. There is maybe one handicapped space in the lot, and there is a bathroom set-up that is just a step above a port-a-potty. As you drive over the bridge, watching out for walkers, be prepared to stop at the gate, whereupon you will find out if there is parking spaces left. There are a couple of very small, ungroomed beach areas for those desperate for a dip, no life guards, and I don;t know if bathing is actually allowed (sorry.) But for a quiet, beautiful walk along the water, this is the place to go. Keep dogs leashed!

GrandpaDick

My wife often and I occasionally walk the level 1.25 mile walk around the perimeter of Mackworth Island. Lovely views of Casco Bay. Fairy village great for grandchildren.

HigginsBeachTraveler

Mackworth offers a refreshing alternative for walking next to the ocean and enjoying a woodland path. With limited parking, it's never crowded. Great in the fall and winter and always nice at high tide when there's little beach to walk. A get away that's only a couple minutes north of Portland and very nice place for enjoying a snack from Standard Bakery. Peaceful. Quiet. Serene.

woodsta79

If you enjoy walking near the ocean, this is it. Its a combo of ocean and forest. Very quiet. Parking is a problem though. Limited spaces.

BeeMelissa

We walk Mackworth Island often...it is a go to activity when friends or family visit Portland, but also our go to relaxing walk. Gorgeous ocean views...occasional benches or swings...A fairy village...Governor Baxter 's dogs burial ground....just some of the highlights along this 2 - mile walk. People walking their dogs...babies in tow...friendly exchanges...not to mention tons of photo ops. At several locations along the way, there is access to steps to the ocean and beachy areas...also a jetty area where it is so peaceful to sit and watch the sail boats and check out the Portland views. Also located on the island is the Baxter School for the Deaf (just at the beginning of the walk). Parking is limited and you will be turned away, if there are no spaces left...so get there early, especially on weekends and holidays.

MHandPM

This is a beautiful little island, linked by a causeway to the mainland, with a wooded trail running along the entire perimeter, with wide ocean views the entire way.Parking is limited, so be prepared to have to turn around if you venture there at the most popular times--balmy weekends and holidays.

DenverDG

We took our dogs for a walk around the island. Great views, very peaceful and relaxing. The parking lot was a little busy, but once we got out there was no one else around.

kthomasva

Parking is limited so get here early - we got lucky at 10 am b/c there was an art festival at the autobon that may have attracted adventurers. The path around the island is 1.25 miles, mostly wooded and mostly stroller-friendly. A nice swing treated us to great views and respit for the weary about half-way through the walk. There is access to two 'beaches', water very cold according to one bikini-clad teen.Beautiful scenery of the water on my first morning in Maine. The fairy homes built by others in designated spots near the path using all natural materials found on Mackworth Island provided an intriguing side-step through the forest for all of us (2 adults, one 9 month old and one 3 year old).Bathroom was a real outhouse near the edge of parking lot. It was clean and offered hand sanitizer.An easy walk for most - a lot of responsible dog owners as well as runners were out in full force.Suggested donation is done through the honor system.

216travelfun

When you are an adventurous 11 year old this island is the perfect place. Fairies and tree trolls abound this magical island. Loved looking at the fairy houses and then building her own.

560garya

My wife and I took our grandaughter and niece for a walk around the island. We had a great time cecking out the fairy houses and building our own. The walk around the island was perfect for two young girls. We all enjoyed the walk and got some great pics.

samjohn2002

Get here early as parking is very limited but worth it! We used to live in the area years ago and we came back to visit friends. Now with our 7 and 2 yr olds it was a nice experience watching them explore the island, make "fairy shelters," and play on the shore collecting shells. Very pleasant morning and the kids wore themselves out!

Dream4Ev

I found this island by browsing around Google Earth and I was pleasantly surprised! You reach the island by a bridge from a residential street and the parking is limited (we got extremely lucky to find a spot!!). There's a trail that follows the circumference of the island and the vegetation is so lush and green and there are little paths to rocky beaches here and there. A few places on the trail had porch swings to swing on and enjoy the view which was so cool! Definitely a must-see if you're not in the mood to take the ferry to one of the islands in the casco bay or if you're short on time. It took us 45 or so to walk around plus time spent playing on one of the beaches.

798WillS

We live within walking distance to Macworth Island and enjoy running, hiking, swimming and fishing on the island. The island may be reached by a half mile causeway from Route One in Falmouth, and there are a small number of parking spots on the island for visitors, as well as a bike rack. There is a gravel path that circles the island and offers a tremendous variety of views, including woods, meadows, cliffs, a stone pier, bays and ocean. There are usually quite a few runners, hikers, and dog walkers using the path. There are several small beaches on the island where you can swim, picnic or relax. Other attractions includes the area where kids can build fairy houses, and the pet cemetery.

Donominivan

Parking is always challenging here as there are not many spaces. Your best bet is to go Mid Week for hasslefree parking. You could also take the bus from Portland Out and walk from Route 1, its not that far, and it makes for a nice walk.The views are excellent, the people nice, and if you have a younger child, there is a nice area for building fairy houses which is always a fun activity.

BonnieDow

Mackworthworth is a lovely place to take a walk....the fairy houses, the water, the islands, everything is lovely.