Local Natural Wonders - Day 16

Local Natural Wonders - Day 16 - Stovers Point Preserve, Harpswell, Maine

Stovers Point Preserve is a great little off-the-beaten-path beach in Harpswell. It is a great place to collect rocks and shells, check out some crabs, and go for a swim. This spot provides a beautiful view, a tidal creek, and a salt marsh as well as ocean swimming on a little rocky beach.

From the Harpswell Heritage Land Trust Website:

If you are looking for a day at the beach, try Stover’s Point Preserve! It’s free to visit and fun for all. With the convenience of being able to drive onto the gravel beach, this is a great place for all ages to spend a day exploring, swimming, sunbathing, skipping rocks, launching a kayak or SUP, and breathing in the salty ocean breeze. A tidal creek provides a protected area for kids to swim in water that’s a little warmer than the open ocean. The view across Harpswell Sound to the unique Cribstone Bridge connecting Orr’s and Bailey Islands is spectacular. Bring water shoes to protect your feet from barnacles and rocks.

Stover’s Point Preserve forms a barrier that shelters a small salt marsh from the waves. Salt marshes are unique, productive and sensitive habitats with plants and animals that are adapted to the changing tides and water conditions. Grasses grow well here, forming the base of a food web that includes fish, birds and shellfish. Please do not park on the sensitive marsh grass.

Please note that there are no bathroom facilities, shelters, picnic tables or trash cans at Stover’s Point Preserve. The nearest public bathroom is at Mitchell Field, 2.5 miles north on Harpswell Neck Road.

Directions:

Click here to get directions from Google Maps.

Stover’s Point Preserve is located at approx. 69 Windsor Lane, Harpswell. From the intersection of Rt 123 and Bath Rd at Bowdoin College in Brunswick, follow Rt 123 south for 12.2 mi. Turn left on Stover’s Cove Rd. Take your first right on Stover’s Point Rd. Veer left. Stay straight then follow the road as it curves to the right. Turn left on a gravel road. This road is Windsor Lane but is not marked. Being very careful of the undercarriage of your car, drive right onto the beach. The road leading to the beach has rocks, sand and a large section of ledge that you must cross. Once on the beach, please park on gravel surfaces only.