Huttopia Southern Maine Glamping: 5 Things You Should Know Before Staying

5 things you should know before staying at Huttopia Southern Maine

This summer marked our fourth time staying at Huttopia, and our third time at their Southern Maine location. Just 30 minutes from our home, this glamping getaway has become a family tradition. If you’re considering your first Huttopia trip (or just want to know what the hype is about), here are five things every newcomer should know before booking.

1. Pack Light. They’ve Got You Covered

One of the best things about staying at Huttopia is that it feels like a hybrid between a hotel, an Airbnb, and a campground - all in the best ways. Your tent or cabin comes equipped with beds made with fresh linens, towels, dishes, soap, and even a mini-fridge and hot plate in many accommodations. The only things we brought were clothes, beach towels, food, and our favorite adventure gear like bikes and our inflatable SUP. That said, gear isn’t necessary. They rent stand-up paddleboards and canoes, e-bikes, and their Café-Bistro is fully stocked with everything from smoothies and espresso to wood-fired pizzas. You could easily show up with just a duffle bag and still enjoy a full, fun, and comfortable stay.

Bathrooms inside Trappeur Tents

Kitchenette has a fridge, dishes, sink and more.
We cooked outside on the grill that also has a burner.

Our Trappeur tent had a Queen bed "room" 
and also a side with a bunk bed that had a full size base and twin top.

2. It’s Quiet, Safe, and Perfect for Kids

Another reason we keep coming back is peace of mind. Huttopia Southern Maine is designed with family-friendliness in mind. Cars park at the main lot, and guests use wagons to bring belongings to their sites (another reason to pack light). This means no vehicle traffic in the campground, which makes it super safe for kids to ride bikes, explore independently, and meet other families. We bring our kids’ bikes every time, and they spend hours riding loops around the gravel paths. We also use walkie-talkies so they can check in from wherever they’re exploring. It’s freedom and safety in a beautifully natural setting.

In addition to lake a pool, there are hammocks, playground,
volleyball, foosball ping pong, bocce court and more.

3. Be Prepared to Get Wet

Between Sand Pond and the pool, we spent most of the weekend in swimsuits and loved every second. The sandy-bottomed lake has warm, clear water and a swim dock that draws both kids and adults. Huttopia provides free lifejackets, floaties, and pool noodles to borrow, and the pool is perfect for cooling off between adventures. This year we brought our new inflatable SUP, which we used to paddle from our lakefront tent to the swimming area. Whether you're a water bug or just want to dip your toes, you’ll definitely want to pack a swimsuit or two.

We all had a lot of pool time

The pond was warmer than the pool! 
We also spent hours here.

I brought our own inflatable SUP but
 they also rent them and canoes!

4. Let Someone Else Do the Cooking

As much as I love packing and prepping campground meals, I’ve learned to lean into the Café-Bistro more and more each year, and I’m never disappointed. This year, we treated ourselves to breakfast both mornings and enjoyed a variety of sweet and savory crepes, barista-crafted coffee drinks (Matt gives a strong thumbs-up to the cappuccino), and smoothies (our son loved the Huttocolada). Lunch paninis hit the spot, and the wood-fired pizzas available in the evening smelled heavenly. The bistro also has beer, wine, and refreshing treats like popsicles and ice cream. Next year, I might skip a dinner cookout entirely and plan for pizza night instead.

The Cafe-Bistro and lodge has wonderful food and drink options.

Breakfast - the "Tutti-Frutti" crepe!

5. You Might Not Want to Leave

When we first stayed at Huttopia, we assumed it would be a great home base for exploring local attractions. That was... optimistic. Our kids had zero interest in leaving the property, and honestly, we didn’t either. That’s part of why we now stay at the Southern Maine location. It’s close to home, and we’re happy to spend the entire stay on-site. This year, we did manage one mini-excursion - a quick 5-minute drive to the Bauneg Beg Mountain trailhead (hike posted on Seacoast Hikes). The 2-mile loop offered the perfect amount of challenge for our family and a beautiful forested summit view. If you’re itching for a beach day, Southern Maine’s coast is just a short drive away. Check out my posts on local beach spots for ideas.

5 minutes down the road - we hiked to Bauneg Beg Mountain

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re new to camping or a seasoned glamper, Huttopia Southern Maine is the perfect blend of nature and comfort. With warm lake water, kid-friendly amenities, and a relaxing atmosphere, it’s no wonder we keep coming back.

Have you stayed at a Huttopia before? Follow along on Instagram for more family-friendly adventures around New England!

You might enjoy these other similar adventures:

Ogunquit for Families

Family-Friendly Nothern White Mountain 

Kennebunk Beach Walk

5 things you should know before staying at Huttopia Southern Maine 

24 Hour Affordable Family Getaway to White Mountains

 

I've been trying to squeeze the very last leaf drop out of fall in the Whites.  Fall foliage "season" is my favorite time of the year, so it probably was surprising that I spent three consecutive weekends in the White Moutains in October.  For our last, and final, weekend of the foliage season - the kids and I made a quick one-nighter.  To save dollars, I booked a private room at the Conway Hostel.  I paired this with playground, hikes, nature trail, and kid (and parent) friendly food.  

Here's how to recreate this adventure:  

Adventure: 24 Hour Affordable Family Getaway in the White Mountains

Saturday Drive

11:30 am - We left our home in Seacoast, New Hampshire around 11:30 am.  On fall weekends, my son has soccer.  So we enjoyed a leisurely morning, returned home from soccer and packed up the car and took off.  We took Highway 16 north and stopped at the Ossipee McDonalds for lunch.  There was still leaves on many of the trees (October 22), however the colors were mainly yellows and browns, and not the reds and oranges people love the most.

Hike Arethusa Falls

1:30 pm - We arrived at the parking lot for Arethusa Falls.  This is a highly trafficked hike in Crawford Notch State Park.  I was prepared for overflow parking and had warned the kids we might have to go to Plan B if the parking was all full.  We were fine.  The later day arrival ensured most people had already hiked it and there was plenty of parking.  There is a $5 fee payed to the "iron ranger" for use of this state park lot.  Bring cash in exact change!

The kids did an awesome job on this hike.  It is 2.8 miles and 780 feet of elevation gain.  To date, this is the biggest hike my four year old has done without assistance.  She rocked it!  We took a lot of breaks and I had snacks and treats for the way up.  Arethusa Falls is the largest waterfall in New Hampshire and one of my favorite kid friendly hikes in the Whites.  We reached the falls around 3:30 pm - just as the sun set behind the canyon - leaving the falls in the shadows.

The kids loved the waterfall and flew back down the trail.  We were back to the car by 4:30 pm.

Arethusa Falls, October 22, 2022

Dinner at Moat Mountain Smokehouse and Brewery

"The Moat" is my favorite post-hike spot in the Whites.  However, it's a favorite of many and long waits are expected.  However, we hit the sweet spot arriving at 5:15pm.  We snagged one of the last free tables.  The kids enjoyed hot dogs off the kids menu, while I savored one of my favorite beers and a delicious sandwich.  When we left around 6:15 pm, there was a line out the door. 

Conway Hostel

I wasn't sure what to expect with the Conway Hostel.  I had hosteled quite a bit in my twenties and knew it could be a crap shoot.  However, for $100, guests at CoHo can get a private family room.  It was worth a try.  We were greeted by employee Brad who checked us in, gave us a tour, and showed us our room.  It was WONDERFUL!  We had a beautiful room, with comfy made beds, and fresh towels.  The shared bathroom was clean and bright.  The kids adored the common living room where they could play foosball, do a coloring sheet, or play one of the many board games.  A few quiet guests were making dinner in the communal kitchen.  I realized making dinner at the hostel would have been a way to make this stay even more affordable!

Conway Hostel had a private room with a
queen and bunk beds.  We loved it!

We snuggled into our beds around 8:30pm and had a great night sleep.  In the morning, the kids wanted to hang out in the living room again, spin on the porch hammock seats, and finish their coloring pages.  I took advantage of the complimentary coffee and breakfast (breakfast bars, oatmeal, toast, etc).

We packed up and left CoHo, all hoping we would be back soon.

Conway Hostel was clean, welcoming, and comfortable!

The Met and Playground

10:30 am - I drove us into downtown North Conway.  We parked right on the White Mountain Highway (main drag) near the Conway Scenic Train Station.  This way, we were walking distance to coffee and playground.  We went into The Met Coffeehouse for "second breakfast".  The kids got fruit and bagels and I got a bagel sandwich and a large coffee.  After our food was done, we walked over the the playground.  My kids really love this spot.  They played happily while I finished my coffee and watched the trains from a distance.  

Rocky Gorge

11:30 am - I decided to take the kids to one of our favorite pullouts on the Kancamagus Highway - Rocky Gorge Scenic Area.  Parking here is $5 to the national forest.  It is paid to an iron ranger so bring exact change.  We walked down the paved path and crossed the bridge.  From here we walked down toe Falls Pond.  The total distance is probably a quarter mile from the parking lot.  The kids loved throwing stick bits in the pond while I marveled at the perfect reflection.  From there, we returned to the river where the kids enjoyed rock hopping along the edge.  

Falls Pond - less than a half mile from the Rocky Gorge parking area.

12:00 pm  - Around noon, we left!  The kids fell asleep pretty quickly on the ride home.  It was an awesome quick trip!

Recommendations

This trip was a great way to round out our fall foliage season in the Whites.  The highlight was definitely the comfy stay at the Conway Hostel so we plan to return.  For those looking for a single bunk - the shared bunk room is $30.  They also have other private room options for couples, dog owners, and groups.  We could have saved money by bringing food and cooking our dinner in the kitchen.  It was well stocked with cookery, dishes, etc.  

Although we were fine, we passed multiple families on our way down from Arethusa Falls who were not prepared to hike in the dark.  I always carry headlamps as part of the 10 essentials.  We had to warn them that they might now make it.  Although Arethusa Falls is easy-moderate by White Mountain standards, it's still a climb so know your abilities and plan ahead.

Hosteling made this trip very affordable!

For similar posts, check out:

- 24 Hour Getaway in Bretton Woods, White Mountains

- Five Family Friendly Hikes in the White Mountains

- 3 Easy and Stunning Fall Foliage Hikes in the White Mountains

24 hour affordable family stay in North Conway, NH of the White Mountains

Ogunquit for Families

Ogunquit for Families: Check out places to stay, dine, beach, and activities in Ogunquit, Maine.

Back in my twenties, Ogunquit was my go-to hot spot.  It has great nightlife, dining, theater, and fabulous beach. Now, in my thirties with a couple little kids, "good beach" requirements have changed.  However, Ogunquit still is one of the top!  It's an inclusive, safe town with tons of awesome shops, family-friendly restaurants, and multiple great beaches.  I recently had a short stay with my kids and it did not disappoint.  Here's Ogunquit for families.

Stay

Although I live 40 minutes from Ogunquit Beach, I've actually stayed in town a half dozen times.  Bachelorette parties, girls trips, and family getaways has found me in multiple hotels, bed and breakfasts, and motels in town.  This time, I totally lucked out.  My friend has two new airbnbs that just went live (July 2022) and offered me a stay before she did!  Her properties are next to each other and a short, 15 minute walk from Footbridge Beach.  We stayed in her larger airbnb that had a kid room with two twin beds, a room with a queen, and in the basement - two futons and another room with a queen.  Her smaller property next door had a queen and a pullout couch in an apartment.  The houses are really cute and in a quiet neighborhood just off bustling Route 1.  The rental house came with an awesome beach cart to bring our stuff down as well as beach towels and mat.  We brought our own tubes to float the river (see photos below).

Our airbnb near Footbridge Beach in Ogunquit, Maine

Sun room at our airbnb in Ogunquit

Kids room at our airbnb in Ogunquit

My room in airbnb in Ogunquit

Beach

Ogunquit has awesome beaches.  This rental was near one of the most kid friendly.  Footbridge beach is named for the long footbridge that crosses, over the tidal Ogunquit River to an expansive sandy beach on the Atlantic Ocean.  The first day, we spent on the sandy beach along the river side.  The kids liked floating on inner-tubes, catching little green crabs, and playing in the sand.  The next day, we crossed over to the ocean-side beach where the kids could jump the waves, build a sandcastle, and look for seashells.  We walked from our rental, but there is a public parking lot that is $4 an hour or $25 a day.  Get there early to find a spot!  The parking lot was empty at 8:30am.

Ogunquit also has the impressive large Ogunquit Beach, Main Beach, and North Beach.  Learn more about the various beaches on the town website!

Footbridge beach has a river beach as well as ocean beach with walkway connecting them

We enjoyed both beaches

You can float the tidal river at Footbridge Beach in Ogunquit

Dining

For our one night, I wanted the kids to feel like they really getaway.  I took them to Ogunquit Lobster Pound.  It is just one mile from the house rental, so definitely walkable.  However, we were burnt out from the beach and there's plenty of free parking at the restaurant.  We arrived around 5:45 pm which was still early enough to get in without a wait. The fun of this spot is its a working lobster pound, so if you order a whole lobster, you get to pick it out (live) and they will steam it on the spot.  Seafood not your thing? No problem.  They have wings, burgers, and more.  My son got a hot dog off the kid menu.  

A few other restaurants within walking distance of the airbnb are Beach Fire Bar & Grill, Angelina's, The Napoli's, and Egg & I.  

My daughter loved the experience of picking out her own live lobster at the Ogunquit Lobster Pound.  They have other food besides seafood as well.

While my trip was short, some of my other favorite dining experiences are:

Ice Cream: Scoop Deck Ice Cream   and Sweet Peas

Pizza: Cornerstone Artisanal Pizza and Beer

Deck Drinks and Fast Casual Seafood: Barnacle Billys 

There is also great fine dining, cocktail places, and nightlife in Ogunquit if you're out without the kids.

Other Things To Do

Ogunquit has a ton to do besides beaching.  Here are a few of my favorites:

Marginal Way - This is a cliff-side walk between Ogunquit Beach and Perkins Cove.  Watch the crashing waves, smell the beach rose, and listen to the seabirds. (free)

Beach Plum Farm - Walk the short loop trail of Beach Plum Farm right on Route 1.  Kids can check out a discovery backpack for free and look for critters and plants. (free) It is the home of Great Works Regional Land Trust.  Learn more on their website.

Kayak or SUP - The Ogunquit river is a great place to float - whether it's a tube, SUP, or kayak.  Visit Liquid Dreams Surf Shop to get geared up.

Mini Golf - Take a break from the beach to visit Wonder Mountain Fun Park on Route 1.

Ogunquit Playhouse - See a Broadway-caliber show at the Ogunquit Playhouse.

The kids loved chilling in the house.  It had Roku.

I enjoyed my morning coffee in the sun room of our airbnb

Ogunquit for Families

Ogunquit is one of the best beaches and beach towns in southern Maine.  Many families plan their summers around their weekly trips here and for good reason.  Whether you're going to float the river, scarf lobster, sunbath, or have a rum punch, it's the place to plan your next family vacation.  For more video and photos of the trip, check out my instagram and follow along for other New England adventures, and beyond. 

We loved our 24 hour vacation to Ogunquit, Maine.

Here are some other blog posts you might enjoy:

Marginal Way in Ogunquit, Maine

Spring Family Weekend in the White Mountains

3 Family Friendly Nights in Acadia National Park

Enjoying the surf at Footbridge Beach in Ogunquit Maine

Spring Family Weekend in the White Mountains

 Spring in the White Mountains is a shoulder season.  While the cherry blossoms and tulips are blooming in southern New England, northern New Hampshire is just beginning to thaw.  As a result, tourists keep their distance until late June and it's a quiet place to visit.  That said, this can be a perfect time to take advantage of low-season accommodations, quiet trails, and an awakening of life in the mountains.  Here's a rundown of my spring family weekend in the White Mountains.

Dates

Early May to late June are off-season in the White Mountains.  If you go when we did, the first weekend in May (Mother's Day weekend), you'll likely beat the black flies, see some great wildflowers, experience rushing waterfalls, and find empty trailheads.  The downside is, trees are usually still bare and trail conditions are unpredictable - with possible mud and even snow.

Location

We LOVED our vacation rental.  This was the second time this year I booked a stay with Bretton Woods Vacations.  This family-owned business manages multiple homes in the White Mountains.  We stayed at Owls Roost - a beautiful cabin on 32 acres - complete with easy trails, mountain views, a river beach and a swimming hole.  It's also pet friendly so we brought Summit!  The house had three bedrooms, kitchen, loft playroom, living room, fire pit, and deck.

Our rental cabin Owls Roost by Bretton Woods Vacations

We ate all our meals at the rental

Activities

Bretton Woods is located just north of Crawford Notch State Park in the White Mountain wilderness.  It's one of my favorite hiking locations.  This is because it is home to my favorite 4000 footer, New Hampshire's tallest waterfall, and a hike that has the best bang for your buck in the Whites. For this trip, I wanted to take advantage of Crawford Notch's easier hikes that my kids would enjoy but still have some awesome views.  Here were our excursions:

Kid-Friendly Hikes

Ripley Falls: Ripley Falls is a 1.2 mile out-and-back hike that climbs about 400 feet in elevation to a tall slabby waterfall.  The hike is moderately difficult - with one narrow part along a gorge that made me nervous with the little kids.  My four and six year old managed the hike totally fine with a couple snack breaks.  They loved climbing the boulders at the base of the falls and feeling the spray.  It was a perfect morning hike.  New Hampshire State Parks charges $5 to an iron ranger for parking at the trailhead.  The AllTrails link to the trailhead is here.

Ripley Falls in Crawford Notch State Park

Elephant Head: Elephant Head is a short 0.6 mile out-and-back up to a cliff in Crawford Notch.  The view is a ton of bang for your buck and a great place if you're short on time and want a view.  The trail climbs up rocks and roots on a moderately difficult trail.  Because of the short distance, my four and six year old handled it fine.  The most challenging parts for my four year old was the prevalence of decaying bog bridges that was a balancing act to traverse.  At the cliff, enjoy views of the notch both ways.  You can even see the red roofs of the iconic Mount Washington Hotel to the north.  If you have a little more time, also tag on the Around The Lake trail that's right next to it!

On Elephant Head in
Crawford Notch State Park

Ammonoosuc River:  Our rental at Bretton Woods Vacations had an easy trail system that took us to beaches and a swimming hole on the Ammonoosuc River.  This trail system is only available to those who rent one of three properties on their Moose Lodge and Cabins properties.  However, even if you aren't staying there, you can enjoy this river and it's short. Try the Ammonoosuc River Loop - a 2 mile, easy trail that grants views and access to the river.

Playing on the sandy beach at the
Ammonoosuc River at our rental property

AMC Highland Center Playscape

One of my kids favorite parts of the trip was playing at the Appalachian Mountain Club's Highland Center Playscape.  The Highland Center is a large lodge for dining, overnight accommodations, and guided trips.  It is a prominent feature in the northern edge of Crawford Notch State Park and the main hub for multiple highly trafficked hikes.  Free to use- the center has a large wood, stone, and rope play structure that blends with the natural landscape.  My children love traversing the suspension bridge, crawling in caves, and climbing the ropes.  This free attraction is perfect for age 4-10.  Plus, there's access to bathrooms, food, and gear store in the center.  Parking is limited in the high season, but May is relatively empty.

AMC Highland Center playscape is free and fun

Pros and Cons of Bretton Woods Location

I'm frequently asked where to stay in the White Mountains region.  It really depends on what you're looking for.  If you want a bustling town with proximity to restaurants, parks, museums, and shopping - stay in North Conway - you'll get the town experience and will be close to hikes.  If you'd like quiet, nature, and don't need town - Bretton Woods is an awesome choice.  We made our own meals at the cabin, had s'mores in the fire pit, listened to the peeper frogs and saw the stars.  It was a perfect weekend for what we where looking for.  

Bretton Woods is perfect if you want to
getaway from town and into the mountains

Crawford Notch offers some great kid-friendly hiking

For more images of my spring family weekend in the White Mountains, visit my instagram for video and photos.  Happy Hiking!

You might also enjoy these posts:

5 Best Family Hikes in the Whites
24 Hour Bretton Woods Getaway
3 Great Spring Mountain Hikes in New England

Little Niagara Falls in New Hampshire

I first heard about this little hike on the Hike it Baby group I belong to.  The mom couldn't tell me much about the hike, but the idea of a waterfall in the area with "Niagara" in the name sounded too good to pass up.  So I did some research...and it was hard. Few people could tell me anything about it.  I found a few sites with minimal information, but even all trails didn't have it listed.  Therefore, I feel it's my duty put aside my other work for tonight, giant pile of laundry, and messy house...and write this one down.  If not for the public, then for me so I can remember how to do it again!

Little Niagara Falls is a secret treasure in New Hampshire

Here's how to recreate this adventure...

Adventure: Little Niagara Falls

Getting there:  The falls are located along a road-like trail that stretches from Barn Door Gap Road to Little Niagara Road (off First Crown Point Road) in Strafford, New Hampshire.  The falls can be accessed from either side of this 1 mile end-to-end trail.  With limited time, I decided to go from the Barn Door Gap Road side. Drive to Leightons Corner Road in Strafford, New Hampshire.  Drive 800 feet and then turn right onto Wingate Road.  Travel 1.5 miles down Wingate until you reach Barn Door Gap Road.  Turn right onto Barn Door Gap Road - it is a dirt road and can be quite muddy during the spring mud season.  Along Barn Door Gap Road you will pass a few homes and green gated tote roads.  At exactly 1.3 miles down the road, your trailhead will be on your left.  It is a forked entrance to an old logging type road.  On one side of the fork is a green gate, and the other large bounders blocking vehicles.  If you reach the house at 375 Barn Door Gap Road, you've gone a little too far.  Park on the side of the road.  

Trailhead to Little Niagara Falls Trail

Trail:  The trail is wide.  My guess is that it is an old logging road.  It was a little unnerving that it was not marked in anyway, but with the wide cut road, it was easy to follow and I never worried about getting lost.  

It begins by declining down into the forest.  The scenery is a mixed hard and softwood forest.  There was some natural sticks and forest debris in parts of the trail but overall is was easy to maneuver.  Near the beginning, a powerline was visible over the trailhead.  Soon, that disappears and the trail rises back up with some easy elevation.  There are very few points of interest along the route, although I did see a seasonal stream along the way.  

I heard the falls before I saw them.  It's spring melt and the water was flowing hard!  At 0.4 miles from the trailhead, the trail opened up to a rock slab with the falls to the left and the trail continuing straight.  Hikers are able to approach the waterfall on the slab and get fairly close (careful of your footing)!  It's power was impressive!

 

 To view the cascade from the opposite side, walk upstream and cross the narrow gapped bridge.  Here you can see the top of the falls as well as the pond of standing water behind it, waiting to fall.  

The trail does continue from here an additional 0.6 miles straight out to Little Niagara Road.  I'm told this section is flatter and easier walk (though longer). Next time I'll have to approach from that side!

Little Niagara Falls Trail is wide and easy to follow

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Distance: 0.8 out-and-back to falls from Barn Door Gap Road.

Recommendations: 

- This path can get muddy and wet in wet season.  Wear waterproof boots.

- Wear bug spray and take precautions for ticks

- There are no bathrooms at the trailhead.  

- Pack in and out your waste.  

- I'm not sure if the trail is managed by anyone but it was surprisingly devoid of litter.  Carry in/carry out waste and trash.

- I had cell service there but it was spotty.  Don't count on it.

This was a great after-work short hike and I was thrilled to find another waterfall near Seacoast New Hampshire!  Do you love waterfalls?  Check out these other similar hikes:

- Gonic Trails

- Arethusa Falls

See video of this hike at Seacoast Hikes on Instagram and Facebook.  Please follow!

Ledges, Lichens, and a Loop - Southern Maine Nature Trail

    In the late hours when other people are scrolling social media, reading a book, or binging Netflix, I am lying in bed internet-searching for new trails for myself and my kids.  Although I hike all year round - summer is truly my biggest "hiking season".  I have summers "off" and like to fill my days with my young children hitting the trails.  Here on the Seacoast, we have amazing kid-friendly, but I'm always looking for more.  And this week, I found one!  

    Nestled in a small preserve on the South Berwick/Ogunquit town lines is a perfect little-kid loop trail that provides views of ledges and even caves - all covered with beautiful lichens and mosses.  What's more, it's a loop!

Here's how to recreate this adventure...

Adventure: Kenyon Hills Preserve Loop Trail in South Berwick, Maine

Getting there:  For GPS purposes, the official address location is 110 Ogunquit Rd, South Berwick, Maine.  To get there from Dover, NH take Route 4 (Portland Ave) towards South Berwick, Maine.  Continue on Route 4 until it splits in South Berwick.  Curve right to get on Agamenticus Rd and drive for a quarter mile.  Turn Right on Emerys Bridge Rd and continue for 1.6 miles.  Turn right at Bennettlot Rd and continue for 4 miles.  Finally, turn right onto Ogunquit Rd.  The trailhead is on the right about 2 miles up.  The trailhead is well signed saying "Kenyon Hill Preserve: Great Works Regional Land Trust" from the road and their is a small uneven (free) parking lot.  The trail is open dawn to dusk.

Trail sign from the road: Kenyon Hill Preserve / Great Works Regional Land Trust

Trail:  From the parking lot, walk back from the road.  There is a small laminated signed stapled to a post showing the loop (see photo).  I also used AllTrails to record my hike so I wouldn't get lost. The trail is a well blazed one mile loop with blue blazes, however there are small small offshoot trails.  

    From the initial fork, we decided to start right - doing a counter clockwise trek.  This was a great choice because a lot of the "attractions" are early on this portion of the trail.  We saw huge glacial erratic boulders covered in lichen and moss, towering rock faces, and smaller rock piles perfect for toddler/preschoolers to climb. 

    The trail is easy but has some roots and rock tripping hazards (my four year old fell a few times).  There are small changes in elevation gain but nothing too noticeable. About half way through the loop we went up an incline and according to the AllTrails topo map, we were at the tallest point in elevation on the trail.  We scrambled up a large rock and enjoyed our lunch.   

    The last half mile of the trail was easy, flat, and straight.  Even though this trail is only one mile, our scrambling and exploring of small off-shoots clocked our hike at 1.8 miles, and we spent 90 minutes here!  The climbing rocks and cave made it a really fun one for kids, but adults will enjoy the varied views and beautiful lichen/moss covered rocks as well.

Curly lichens grown on large rock faces throughout the trail

Difficulty: The short distance and fairly easy terrain makes me categorize this trail as over all EASY but Great Works Regional Land Trust that manages it, labeled it "moderate".

Distance: 1 mile loop. However, we must have done a lot of off-trail rock exploring because I clocked our trek at 1.8 miles total.  

Recommendations:

- Parking is limited but it was not busy.  We only saw one other hiker on a sunny, summer weekday morning. There are no bathrooms or trash receptacles at the trailhead.

- The trail was clean.  Please keep it this way by carrying out your trash.

- Keep track of the blue blazes.  There are other "non-official" trails that are not blazed.  We accidentally meandered down a couple.  

- Bring bug spray.  The bugs weren't horrible but there were a few wetland type areas along the trail where the mosquitoes were noticeable.  

- Dogs are allowed on the trail.

This trail reminded me of one of our other favorite loops - the Winnie-the-Pooh Trail - that also has rock ledges and caves.  The kids really liked it and so did I.  I'm so glad my late night internet searches paid off!

You might enjoy these similar adventures...

- Pickering Ponds Loop 

- Cutts Trail

- Peverley Pond Loop