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 Redux

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Ogunquit Chamber of Commerce claims "Ogunquit is New England's most walkable resort".  Ogunquit offers three great walking venues: village, beach and Marginal Way.
The Marginal Way is an old Indian trail the meanders from the village centre and hugs the rocky coast to picturesque Perkins Cove. The Marginal Way starts at Shore Road after the Sparhawk Hotel. From the inn, walk to the end of School Street on to Shore Road, and the entrance is just a few feet to the east.
Winter is a great time to hike the Marginal Way. A stroll on the Marginal Way is "must do" while visiting Ogunquit, and an added benefit to partake in the winter! Gone are the throngs of tourists.  During winter the Marginal Way is quiet and serene with beautiful views.

Today, Mike noticed a seal sun bathing on the rocky coast. (notice at the bottom of the picture). During winter seals will periodically luxuriate on the smooth rocks and nap during the winter's day.

The views from Marginal Way are amazing: the long immaculate stretch of sand known as Ogunquit beach to the north; to the south the rocky fragmented coast with small quiet beaches and tidal pools.

The Marginal Way is approximately 1 1/4 mile each way. At the end of the Marginal Way sits Perkins Cove. Perkins Cove is a harbor for lobsterman and fisherman. Boats sit safely in the cove against the headwinds of the Atlantic. The "Cove" features a unique wooden pedestrian drawbridge; harbormaster's shack, fine dining, artist's galleries and shops. During the winter, just a few restaurants are open ( Jackies Too, and MC Perkins). The Cove is a working harbor with lobstermen and fishermen bringing in their catch of the day!

Glacier movements from the last ice age created  the cliff formations along the Marginal Way. The rocky cliffs and rocks jutts out to the Atlantic surf. During winter the air is freash with seasalt. A walk during winter on the Marginal Way is good for the body and the soul. There is always something to see, smell and taste!

Soon the town will awake from its winters nap, snow birds will migrate back, tour buses will truck though the narrow roads, and presidents will be dining at Barnacle Billy's for lunch.