Kennebunkport offers several distinct ways to shape your stay: trails through nature preserves, the sandy shore of Goose Rocks Beach, and places where you can explore the town’s maritime history. You can tailor your visit to your interests in nature, the coast and culture. Outdoor options include hiking, snowshoeing and paddling; historic homes, guided tours and railroad heritage offer a different focus.

Nature and Trails in Kennebunkport

At Emmons Preserve, you can hike and snowshoe. A stone-dust trail leads from the trailhead to the labyrinth and is wheelchair- and stroller-accessible along this section.

Smith Preserve encompasses more than 1,100 acres and has ten miles of recreational trails. It is primarily a wildlife habitat. Hiking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and birdwatching are also possible there. The activities range from trail pursuits to birdwatching, while the area’s primary purpose remains providing wildlife habitat.

One clearly named route is the Batson River Trail: it runs for 1.8 miles from the Kennebunkport Conservation Trust headquarters to Tyler Brook Preserve. This route, with its defined endpoints, can be distinguished from the extensive trail network at Smith Preserve.

Grist Mill Property provides public access to Mast Cove. The property is within walking distance of Lower Village and has a public boat launch for canoes, kayaks and paddleboards. Visitors can focus on a visit to the waterfront or on the various opportunities to get out on the water.

Goose Rocks Beach offers miles of white sandy shoreline, views of the Atlantic Ocean and its islands, and seals. Along with the nature preserves, the beach offers another side of a stay: you can focus more on trails and wildlife observation or on the coast and beach.

Maritime History and Culture

White Columns is a Victorian house built in 1853. On guided tours, visitors can see the original furnishings; the tours also cover Kennebunkport’s shipbuilding and maritime traditions. Architecture and local history come together on the same tour.

The Kennebunkport Historical Society also offers guided tours of Dock Square. They focus on social, cultural and architectural stories. If you plan to join a tour, check the current schedule in advance, as tour times may change.

Goat Island Lighthouse was built in 1833. It is owned and maintained by the Kennebunkport Conservation Trust and is located in Cape Porpoise Harbor within Kennebunkport. During the summer months, visitors can reach it by boat or view it from the landing at the end of Pier Road in Cape Porpoise. If you are planning a boat trip, it is a good idea to check the current seasonal information.

The preserved Atlantic Shore Line railbed is part of the area’s railroad heritage: the Seashore Trolley Museum has preserved four miles between Town House Square and Biddeford; the section is located on Log Cabin Road in Kennebunkport. On the museum campus, the Donald G. Curry Restoration Shop has a public viewing gallery. From there, visitors can see vehicles currently undergoing maintenance or restoration. The preserved railbed and a look at ongoing restoration work offer two distinct ways to explore the subject.

Discover more destinations: Kennebunk, Biddeford, Limerick, York, Old Orchard Beach, Buxton, Wells, Kittery.

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