We recently explored some of the Mid-Coast Maine towns surrounding Penobscot Bay including Belfast, Stockton Springs, and Brooksville. Check out our below itinerary for a fully packed weekend of activities and sightseeing!
Belfast
Rail Trail + Harbor Walk
The Belfast rail trail is a 2.3-mile point-to-point trail located in Belfast, Maine that follows the Passagassawakeag river. It was built on the former rail bed of the Belfast & Moosehead Lake Railroad. Pictured below is the City Point (13 Oak Hill Rd parking lot) entrance featuring vintage trains.
We biked the trail, but I think this would be better suited for walking since it was too short of a bike trail! Once you reach the end of the rail trail, head south from the footbridge and continue on to the Harbor Walk to explore the waterfront and downtown shops.
Restaurants
After your scenic walk/bike ride, Belfast has many restaurants and cafes to grab lunch at. Here are some of the delicious bites we had:
A cranberry orange bagel with cinnamon walnut cream cheese from Bob's Ugly Bagels Food Truck on the Harbor Walk.
The "Farmhouse BLT" with a fried egg and Chicken Ceasar Wrap from the Harborwalk Restaurant
A shrimp caesar salad from the Dockside Family Restaurant
A cone of handcrafted ice cream from Wild Cow Creamery
Stockton Springs
Fort Point Lighthouse
The Fort Point Lighthouse is a private residence so you can't tour it, but it's a lovely stop to walk around and take in the beautiful scenery. The park has remnants of Fort Pownall, a unique fog bell tower, and a small beach equipped with some nearby picnic tables and grills.
Since the lighthouse is off the beaten path, this spot was uncrowded and peaceful making it a perfect location to have a picnic and relax on a sunny day.
Penobscot Bay
Penobscot Narrows Bridge & Observatory & Fort Knox
The Penobscot Narrows Bridge Observatory is a must-do in the Penobscot Bay area. A speedy elevator whisks you up 420 feet in the air for a 360-degree view of the Maine coast and Fort Knox Historic Site.
Brooksville
Lookout Rock Preserve
The nearly half-mile out and back trail winds through rocky forests to the summit’s open ledges. The easy climb is extremely rewarding, almost too rewarding given the short length of the trail which takes only about 15 minutes to get to the top.
Don't forget to pack your camera to capture the expansive scenes of Eggemoggin Reach, Pumpkin Island Light, and Deer Isle/Stonington Bridge.
Our Cottage
We stayed in a charming rental cottage in Harborside, Brooksville. Some of my favorite things about the property were the beautiful ocean view that overlooks the large island of Islesboro and the multiple flower and vegetable gardens that were available to pick and enjoy. We were able to harvest onions, green peppers, tomatoes, green beans, broccoli, and summer squash.
We also had a great time enjoying the sunsets and toasting marshmallows at the fireplace that literally sits on the cliffside. The property was very tranquil and relaxing and was definitely a great Maine experience.
Thanks for reading!