Located within the Bates-Morse Mountain Conservation Area, this 4-mile out-and-back hike is among the most stunning in midcoast Maine. The 600-acre preserve features salt marshes, pine forests, and rivers that lead to a two-mile stretch of white sand beach. The property is owned by the Bates-Morse Mountain Conservation Area Corporation and Bates College, with easements by the Nature Conservancy. Bates College manages the area for ongoing environmental research and collaborates with the Small Point Association (owners of Seawall Beach and part of the Sprague River), The Nature Conservancy, and Maine Audubon to protect the piping plover nesting sites and rare plants, moss and lichen found here. Although dogs are not allowed on this hike, it remains high on my list of easier trails with breathtaking scenery.
There is a decent-sized parking lot for this hike, but it can fill quickly on weekends. From Route 1 in Bath, follow ME-209 south to ME-216, then take a left onto Morse Mountain Road and find the parking lot on the left.
The trail leads along a broad, partially paved road to the summit, which is clearly marked and well-maintained. While there are a few hills to tackle on the way to the beach, the majority of the hike is fairly level. After climbing the initial, gradual hill from the trailhead, you will descend to the Sprague River salt marsh.
The trail cuts through the middle of the marsh, before climbing another hill and then winding through mossy pine forests.
At just under a mile, you will reach a fork in the road. Take the short road to the right leading to the Morse Mountain summit. Here, you will find ledges on the right with views of the Sprague River, Small Point Harbor, and Casco Bay.
There is a house at the summit available for rent. We stayed there with extended family when our oldest was a toddler. Since I was in an early parenting fog, all I recall is Finn and his cousin jumping on the beds. But I do believe we were happy with our rental, and I'm now thinking we should revisit the place with teenagers. Here is some info on pricing and renting the Morse Mountain Eyrie House. This is the only house at Morse Mountain available for rent year-round and the only one that is wheelchair accessible.
Once you've taken in the views from the summit (closer to a hill), return to the main trail and follow it for another mile before reaching Seawall Beach. There are rock cliffs to explore here and miles of white sand. If you head left, you will eventually reach Popham Beach State Park.
This hike is great in all seasons and a nice option for groups, due to the wide path. Here is the All Trails link. Pack a snack and spend a day on the beach with friends or family. Or rent the house and spend a whole week here!
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