Wolfe’s Neck State Park

Last week, something incredible happened. Maine had it’s very first winter storm of the season. It was everything a snow lover could dream of—calm yet chaotic. In the midst of the storm, I planned out the following day so I could get the most out of the fresh snow before it melted. The Maine coast is infamous for not keeping snow very long. The next day, I packed my backpack, layered up, and drove to Wolfe’s Neck State Park in Freeport.

In the 1950s, the Smith family moved from Philadelphia to Maine to run a 600-acre organic beef farm named Wolfe’s Neck Farm. They were committed to helping Maine’s farming community improve. They were also committed to conservation, which led to 200 acres of the farm being donated to the state of Maine in 1969. Then, in 1985, the remaining acres were donated to the University of Southern Maine to be used as a community resource for agriculture and the environment.

Wolfe’s Neck state park is only a 10-minute drive from downtown Freeport and a 30-minute drive from Portland. It’s open 9:00a.m. to sunset, 365 days a year. There is a $6.00 admission charge for non-Maine residents and a $4.00 admission charge for Maine residents. During the summer months, there are two large dirt parking lots and bathroom facilities. In the off-season, the bathroom facilities are closed and only one parking lot is maintained.

Throughout the winter months, the walking trails are not groomed, but they are accessible. Just be sure to bring a pair of snowshoes or cross-country ski’s. The shoreline is also accessible, just be cautious while exploring the slippery rocks. Picnic tables are dispersed throughout the trails year-round, and there is also a covered picnic area for those that wish to eat in a more secluded area.

During my visit, I strapped on snowshoes and explored the White Pines Trail and the Casco Bay Trail. Both trails were relatively flat and moved along the rocky shore. They provided lovely views of the ocean and marshes. The White Pines Trail extends deeper into the woods for a more serene experience. Both trails were not well marked for winter exploration, so I really had to rely on memory from hiking them this past summer. Luckily, someone had snowshoed portions of the trails, which was also helpful.

I also spent a good chunk of time exploring the shoreline, which was absolutely beautiful. There’s just something about the transition from dense, wintery forest to rocky coastline that is very dramatic (and gorgeous!). Not to mention the turquoise color of the ocean mixed with the different hues of rocks. The hemlocks and white pine trees also added their own beauty to the park.

I would definitely recommend exploring Wolfe’s Neck State Park during the winter months. The parking lot is easily accessible and well-maintained, the trails are beautiful, and the park isn’t highly trafficked. In fact, it was quite the opposite. I visited on a Friday afternoon and only passed two other people. So, layer up, back a thermos of cocoa, strap on your snowshoes, and get out there!

Wolfe’s Neck State Park

Crescent Beach State Park

Mackworth Island State Park