Cape Elizabeth: Coast, Trails and Lighthouse History

Cape Elizabeth, Maine, combines coastal scenery, outdoor trails and lighthouse history. Each place offers something different: the Cross Town Trail runs between two state parks, rocky headlands shape the views at Two Lights State Park, and Crescent Beach offers space for swimming in the surf and walks. If you’re planning a stay in Cape Elizabeth, these differences can help you decide what to focus on during your trip.

Hiking and Outdoor Activities

The Cross Town Trail is 8.2 miles long and runs from Portland Head Light in Fort Williams Park to Kettle Cove State Park. You can hike, run, watch birds, snowshoe and take photographs on the trail year-round. The route therefore appeals to a range of interests, from exercise to nature observation. Trail conditions and access can change seasonally, so factor this into your trip planning.

The Cape Elizabeth Land Trust properties are also part of the area’s outdoor offerings. Most are managed by staff and volunteers for informal, non-motorized public use. Specific uses may vary by property. This is important to keep in mind when following the general use guidelines: they do not necessarily apply in the same way to every individual property.

Rocky Coast and Beach

Two Lights State Park includes 41 acres of rocky headlands. Visitors can enjoy expansive views of the Gulf of Maine and the open Atlantic from there. The combination of rocky terrain and broad ocean views gives the park a different focus from a beach visit.

At Crescent Beach State Park, you can swim in the surf along a one-mile beach that is also suitable for walking. The emphasis there is on the length of the beach and activities on the water. Ship Cove offers a distinctly different coastal scene: the small rocky beach provides a view of Ram Island Ledge Light in Casco Bay. The locations therefore differ in their scenery and views, and the beaches are not interchangeable.

Portland Head Light and Its History

Portland Head Light is the oldest lighthouse in Maine and was built by order of George Washington. Fort Williams Park is home to the lighthouse and also offers hikes on the Cliff Walk Trail. Those interested in the lighthouse’s history will also find a named hiking trail in the park.

The keeper’s house at Portland Head Light has been converted into a museum that is open to the public seasonally. This means planning a museum visit differs from planning activities on the Cross Town Trail, which are possible year-round. If the museum is important to your stay, check its seasonal opening dates in advance; for the trail, current conditions and access information may be helpful.

Discover more destinations: Gray, Scarborough, Windham, Brunswick Cdp, New Gloucester, Freeport, Bridgton, South Portland.

For the broader travel overview: Cumberland.