Bowdoin College Coastal Studies Center Trails on Orr's Island

"If you are looking for a bit of an Acadia National Park, Monhegan Island, and Norwegian fjords experience all rolled into one, consider a visit to the spectacular trail system at the Bowdoin College Coastal Studies Center on the northwestern tip of Orr's Island.

This off the beaten path parcel of land gets little publicity and little visitation. The 118 acres of peaceful meadows, secluded evergreen forests, and steep ridge lines and cliffs were a gift to the college from William and Irma Thalheimer, with the desire to create a world-class coastal studies program.

Seven distinct trails offer a variety of experiences and comprise a total of nearly four miles of walking if you hike them all. We spent three hours recently walking the perimeter trails of the narrow peninsula, bordered to the west by the sparkling waters of Harpswell Sound, and to the east by the sheltered waters of Long Cove."

Read the rest of this article in "Exploring the Bowdoin College Coastal Studies Center trails on Orr's Island", The Forecaster, August 17, 2010.  Click here to learn more about hiking in Maine.