Magic of the Marginal Way

After living in Ogunquit for many years, I never get tired of the Marginal Way. Yes, the wide sandy beach of Ogunquit is a favorite of many, but the Marginal Way is something special.

The Marginal Way is an old trail (some say Native American trail) that hovers the coast. Starting in the village off of Shore Road after Cottage Street, the trail ends at Perkins Cove. The trail is @ 1.25 mile each way (1.8 km).

Runners, surfers and walkers use this path daily for exercise and recreation. Best time is morning before the afternoon sightseers. The Marginal Way provides solace for many each and everyday. I enjoy running on this trail at sunrise. the air is fresh and fragrant scent of salt and flowers!

The strip of land along the water's edge has a an abundant variety of plants and birds. The high tides leave tide pools  filled with marine life: crabs, barnacles, shells, sea urchins and Sea Anemones.

The cliffs are grand and magnificent and are a geological wonder. Igneous and sedimentary rocks were formed when ancient continents collided 385 billion years ago. Other rocks were leftover from the last ice age.

The Details:

Marginal Way off of Shore Road.

Free to all. No pets from 01 April to 01 November

Walk at your own risk. Cliffs, trails, views and benches.
Steep rocks and dramatic tides.
From Ogunquit Beach Inn walk down School Street, to Shore Road.

Marginal Way in May

I never get tired of this view....

                  -Gorio

The Marginal Way is something that I never get tired of looking at. Endless north Atlantic views; crashing waves and the smell of the salt water.

The Marginal Way has inspired writers, poets, artists and lovers. There are negative ions that are produced from the crashing waves in the ocean air. Negative ions are made up of sodium, magnesium, chloride and sulphate found in the ocean water. Once the waves crash into the rocks, the water is in the air, negative ions are produced.  Its widely believed that these odorless colorless ions can make you feel good, increasing the serotonin levels.

Runners have long known about "runners high", but a fast run on the Marginal Way is a double whammy!

Remember, you don't have to run the Marginal Way. Its best to enjoy the trail on a leisurely pace, and take in all the sights. There are plenty of benches for relaxing, and small beaches for combing.

Blogger/Innkeeper Greg explores the ever changing rocky coastline of the Marginal Way........

The Details:

The Marginal Way (off of Shore Road).

From Ogunquit Beach Inn walk to Shore Road take a right.

The Path is 1 1/4 mile each way.

Walk at your own risk.

Benches for resting.

Wear comfortable shoes.

Ends at Perkins Cove.

Bring a camera!

Always free...

 

Marginal Way, October 12th 2010

Even at this distance I can see the tides,

Upheaving, break unheard along its base,

A speechless wrath, that rises and subsides

in the white tip and tremor of the face.

                                        -Henry Wadsworth Longfellow 

  In mid October Ogunquit exhales like the an autumn breeze. The air is crisp and, the days can be sunny and bright. Foliage is ripening and ready to burst.

To some people, walking the Marginal Way is akin to a religious experience. The power of nature is omnipresent. Tides ebb and flow and are always changing the scenery.

There is always room on a bench along the trail in October.

Fast moving clouds paint the autumn sky.

Its nice to take time and exhale and watch nature at its best. The Marginal Way is truly spectacular.....

Sunrise Marginal Way

The Marginal Way, I don’t think it’s marginal at all! That’s a terrible name for it. It’s got such gorgeous views of the ocean. If I had to rename it, I‘d rename it “Spectacular Way.”

                                                   -Carson Kressley

Sunrise September 20th 2010. The Marginal Way, Ogunquit Maine.

Yes, the Marginal Way is anything but marginal, it  is spectacular. I am often on the Marginal Way for my morning run. Sometimes I will walk the Marginal Way in the late afternoon before sunset.  This old Indian trail starts in Ogunquit Village centre on Shore Road ( near Cottage Street) meanders to Perkins Cove on the "margin" of the ocean.

Hurricane Igor may be several hundred miles away in the north Atlantic, but the thundering surf pounds the rocky cliffs of the Marginal Way.

The contrast between the craggy coastal rocks  and the smooth rocks in the various coves is as dramatic as night and day.....I enjoy the solitude at sunrise. Its amazing that this is public way, for all to enjoy.

The awakening red sky offers many opportunities for an great day in Ogunquit Maine!

Another sunrise on the Marginal Way, now its time to get breakfast ready for awakening guests at Ogunquit Beach Inn.

Blogger/Innkeeper/Runner/LEO Greg enjoys life in Ogunquit Maine!

Beach Roses on the Marginal Way

I once had a rose named after me and I was very flattered. But I was not pleased to read the description in the catalogue: no good in a bed, but fine up against a wall.   -Eleanor Roosevelt

The Marginal Way is truly a special place. Some say it is the piece de resistance of Ogunquit Village.  The Marginal Way is always changing. Twice a day tides crash into the sedimentary rocks. Sea and land birds occupy the Marginal Way as well as many other forms of wildlife.
During today's morning run on the trail, my eyes and nose were in for a treat. The Marginal Way was a splash of color with the sea roses in full bloom with a fragrant odor....

The 1 1/4 mile trail that meanders the craggy coast of Ogunquit offers spectacular views and scenery. I tell my guests to take their time exploring the Marginal Way, even though I run the path in morning, I try to savor an afternoon walk on the old trail. The path is not a race, and visitors should enjoy the beauty. Take time to smell the roses, the beach roses.....

Beach Roses were introduced to Maine from travelling seafarers that brought them back from the Orient. The ornamental plants grow best along the coast in sandy soil. The beach roses of Ogunquit are extremely tolerant to seaside salt spray and north Atlantic storms....

The suckering shrubs develops new plants from the roots, which turn into hedges. The hedges line the Marginal Way and create a unique border along the coast. The end of the Marginal Way is Perkins Cove. The "Cove" is dotted with fishing boats, artists, and restaurants. One restaurant, Barnacle Billy's Etc was the site of the former Whistling Oyster.  Eleanor Roosevelt would frequent the Whistling Oyster and admire the wild roses on her trips to Ogunquit. Mrs Roosevelt and entourage would stay in Ogunquit on her way to Campobello Island for the summer.

The Marginal Way is awash in red, pink and white Rosa Rugosa. Its truly an amazing sight to see. Its only a three minute walk from Ogunquit Beach Inn



Mrs Roosevelt noted in her diary about visits to Ogunquit (Click here to read).

Marginal Way.....

The Marginal Way is an attraction in Ogunquit. Its one of the most beautiful walks in Maine, and a must see while you are in Ogunquit.



The Marginal Way starts on Shore Road ( about a three minute walk from the Inn ). Its an old Indian tail that meanders along the rocky coast of Ogunquit.

From the start of Marginal Way you can see the dramatic coast line of Ogunquit Beach. Ogunquit Beach is unique because of the soft white sands and the dramatic tides. The beach is actually a barrier island. The contrast of the Carribean like beach and rocky coast is awesome!

Marginal Way showcases the rocky coastline of Maine. Jagged cliffs reach out into the Atlantic, where waves crash against the majestic rocks.




Along the path, there is native Scrub Pine, Beach Roses and Cedar trees. In the summer the path has a pungent scent of Honeyscukle.






The cliffs were formed by glaciers from the last ice age.







The walk is one mile and a quarter long and leads to Perkins Cove. Sometimes after I run on the beach, I will do and extra "Marginal Way Loop" to my running route, especially if its early.








Hikers, birdwatchers, runners, and lovers all enjoy the Marginal Way. There are small tide pools, little beaches, and benches along the path to enjoy.



Ogunquit Beach Inn