The coastal region of Cumberland County includes the islands of Casco Bay. Cumberland brings together different perspectives: coastal landscapes, lighthouse history, art, and outdoor trails. As you plan your trip, you can focus on landscapes, culture, or activities on the water and on foot. The examples below show just how varied these discoveries can be.

Waterfront trails and nature at Scarborough Marsh

In Sebago Lake State Park, some trails run along the Songo River and the north shore of Sebago Lake. The river and lakeshore offer two distinct landscape settings for a walk. Scarborough Marsh presents a different natural focus: the marsh covers nearly 2,500 acres and is important to numerous wildlife species. Rare species include the least bittern and saltmarsh sparrow. The contrast is between trails along the river and lake on one hand, and the importance of Scarborough Marsh to numerous wildlife species on the other.

Coastal views and lighthouse history

Two Lights State Park offers sweeping views of the Gulf of Maine and the open Atlantic Ocean. Portland Head Light, the oldest lighthouse in Maine, is a historic landmark on the coast. You can hike the Cliff Walk Trail in Fort Williams Park. The trail adds an opportunity to explore the area on foot to the coastal views. The Museum at Portland Head Light is located in the former lighthouse keepers’ quarters. The museum houses several lighthouse lenses and informative exhibits; its exhibits may change. Here, lighthouse history and the preserved keepers’ quarters can be experienced side by side.

Art, kayaking, and winter trails

The art collection also broadens the cultural picture: the Portland Museum of Art in Cumberland County includes more than 20,000 works of art, including works by Andy Warhol, Winslow Homer, Louise Nevelson, and Claude Monet. The size of the collection may change. Kayak trips are available on Casco Bay, adding an activity on the water to the coastal landscape. In winter, the Casco side of Sebago Lake State Park has 5.5 miles of groomed cross-country ski trails. Of these, 3.7 miles are tracked for classic skiing and 1.5 miles are groomed specifically for skating. Trail availability depends on winter conditions. The different figures for length and grooming give you a concrete comparison between classic skiing and skating.

Water access and getting here

There is a boat launch on the Scarborough River in Scarborough that can be used at all tide stages. This offers different ways to get out on the water: kayak trips on Casco Bay and the boat launch on the Scarborough River. Check the latest information about using the launch before setting out. Portland International Jetport and the Downeaster provide air and rail connections to Cumberland County. Since schedules and connections may change, check the latest options for your travel dates before your trip.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: South Portland, Scarborough, Portland, Freeport, Falmouth, New Gloucester, Brunswick Cdp, Cape Elizabeth, Windham, Naples, Bridgton, Westbrook, Casco, Standish, Gray, Gorham, Harpswell.

For the broader travel overview: Maine.