Maine Outdoor Journal

What to do on an iffy-weather Saturday morning in June? Sleep in for starts. Then throw together a day pack and go find someplace local that you haven't been before.

Like the Cliff Walk in Harpswell.

The 2.5-mile loop trail starts out right behind the Harpswell Town Office on Mountain Road. From there it strikes off through the moist coastal forests along Strawberry Creek.

Near the head of the creek is a sweet cascade, running full tilt this day after many days now of significant rainfall. Further on is Henry's Creek Marsh, down a short side trail.

Damp and clammy out, this was probably not a good day to test out some new bug dope. The mosquitoes were out, not crazy like, but there were plenty of them. And they seemed to know we were DEET-less.

I can barely bring myself to put DEET on me anymore for fear of, well, fear of yet another harsh chemical on or in my my body. So today we tried out some organic stuff I picked up last week while on an AMC hut trip: ECO Blends Buzz-Off. Made with 100% natural oils and with a "refreshing aroma." DEET-free, of course.

Okay. Good even. But it ain't DEET. And the skeeters knew it. We got by with a couple of applications, but a few bites as well. Bad chemicals and no bites vs. natural stuff and some bites. What's a hiker to do?!

Anyways... the trail meanders along to reach the steep banks of Long Reach, where you gradually gain elevation and then level out, at first in thin woods with good views, then open cliff tops and great views. Said "Cliff" of the Cliff Walk. Sweet! A good place to plunk down and hang. And watch ducks in the water far below (150 feet or more!) and ospreys plying the skies in search of food for their crying youngsters.

Beyond The Cliff the trail circles back around through the woods again and pops out at the recycling center. Bear left around the facility to the road. Then right a short distance to the drive into the town office. Voila! You now done with a fabulous short hike!

You been to the Harpswell Cliff Trail? What was your hike like?