5 Fun Things To Do Near Freeport, Maine
Picture this: you’ve finally made it to the Cozy Rock Cabin. You’re slowly making your way up the driveway and you get your first peek of the house through the hundreds of tree trunks. You pull up, grab your bags and walk through that beautiful green door. You immediately feel yourself relaxing: your shoulders drop from your ears, your breathing slows, your jaw unclenches. You are officially on vacation.
So what’s next? Do you head up to the loft, choose a book from the shelf and settle into a little nook where you plan to stay for the foreseeable future? Do you whip something up in the kitchen and enjoy a long, lazy lunch on the porch? Or are you itching to hit the road again and explore the area? If you’re the latter we’ve got you covered. Here are five fun things to do within a quick drive of the cabin that you can check out the moment you arrive or anytime throughout your stay!
Bradbury Mountain State Park
528 Hallowell Road, Pownal, ME [10 minutes from the cabin]
Open year round 9:00am - sunset
State Park Fees apply (cash only) — check here for updated fee schedule (https://www.maine.gov/dacf/parks/park_passes_fees_rules/park_day_use_fees.shtml) **If you plan on visiting other State Parks, you will want to consider getting an annual pass (day use only). For more information on cost and State Parks where the annual pass is accepted visit here. There are exceptions so be sure to read through the rules!
Just one of Maine’s many state parks worth visiting, Bradbury Mountain is a favorite for locals craving a bit of elevation gain, but don’t feel like spending hours in the car (although the mountain is just under 500’, it still provides spectacular views of Casco Bay and the skyline of Portland, particularly during the fall). Located in the town of Pownal, just west of Freeport, this 800-acre park--one of Maine’s first state parks founded in 1939--is teeming with trails accessible to hikers, dogs, horseback riders, mountain bikers, snowshoers and cross country skiers.
Hiking and snowshoeing are allowed on all trails although you may want to stick to the western side; the eastern trails were designed for and are primarily used by mountain bikers. Definitely check the trail map to figure out which trail is right for you and your group, but here are our top picks for hiking trails:
The Summit Trail is the most popular at the park. Although it’s the shortest trail (0.3 miles), it’s rated moderate/intermediate for its steep ascent.
Terrace Trail is an easy trail -- wide and short (0.3 miles) it would be great with kids. In the 1940s this trail was the location of a rope tow that pulled skiers to the top of the Northern Bluff.
Boundary Trail is the way to go if you want a hike that is longer (1.5 miles) and a bit more challenging (it’s rated moderate/intermediate).
If you’re visiting in late April to early May and fancy yourself a bird enthusiast, the summit of Bradbury Mountain is known to be an excellent location to view the annual migration of hawks. And that is just one example of the many birding opportunities available in the state. Maine has some of the most spectacular bird watching in the country.
Reid State Park
375 Seguinland Rd, Georgetown, ME [45 minutes from cabin]
Open year round 9:00am - 6:00pm
Often overshadowed by its neighbor Popham Beach, the beaches at Reid State Park are still some of the most popular in the state. Maine’s first State-owned Saltwater Beach pretty much has it all: wide, sandy beaches (rare in Maine), large sand dunes (rarer still), rocky headlands with hiking trails and surf that’s considered some of the best in New England.
So check the weather and then pack a lunch or buy some sandwiches (our favorites are Clayton’s Famous Chicken Salad Sandwich from Clayton’s Café in Yarmouth -- yes you’ll have to backtrack, but it’s so worth it -- or Amato’s Original Real Italian (it’s not the most sophisticated sandwich but it’s a Maine institution -- don’t forget the salt, pepper and oil). Or if you feel like stopping on the way back from the beach, take a little detour to Five Islands Lobster Co located on an active fishing wharf in the Georgetown area (make sure to check their website for hours, they are open seasonally). It’s BYOB, but also BYOC (bring your own cooler) and buy lobsters and other fresh fish seafood to bring back to the cabin to continue that seafood binge! If you eat there you HAVE to order at least one fried clam basket -- theirs is regularly voted one of the best in Maine.
Freeport Outlets
95 Main St, Freeport, ME [5 minutes from cabin]
Open year round, check stores for various store hours
The first thing that comes up when you Google Freeport, Maine is...shopping! This little coastal town you’ve found yourself in is home to one of the largest and most well-known shopping outlets in New England. Parking is free, but during the summer and holiday season this place is HOPPIN’ so you may need to park farther away from the shops -- just be sure to wear your comfy walking shoes and make a note of where you parked (drop a pin!).
The LL Bean flagship store tops the list and with five separate buildings chock full of outdoor gear and home goods, you could probably spend a whole day here, but at the very least get a picture with the giant Bean boot. We’ve created a few guides to help you get the most out of Freeport -- between big brand names like Patagonia, JCrew and Levi’s, and local Maine staples like Abacus, Sea Bags and Wilbur’s of Maine Chocolate Confections, you probably need a game plan (and a map! Check this one out).
Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park
426 Wolfe's Neck Rd, Freeport, ME [10 minutes from cabin]
Open year round 9:00am - sunset
State Park Fees apply (cash only) — check here for updated fee schedule (https://www.maine.gov/dacf/parks/park_passes_fees_rules/park_day_use_fees.shtml) **If you plan on visiting other State Parks, you will want to consider getting an annual pass (day use only). For more information on cost and State Parks where the annual pass is accepted visit here. There are exceptions so be sure to read through the rules!
Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park is only a 5 minute drive from Freeport’s shopping district, but it feels like a world away. Given to the State in 1969 by Mr and Mrs. Lawrence M.C. Smith, this magical 200 acre plot of land features white pine and hemlock forests, a salt estuary and open fields.
Here is a link to the park guide and map. There are a variety of short trails, but for those who want a longer walk that will take you across the park consider the Harraseeket Hike (a 1.8 mile loop). The trail meets up with the Casco Bay Trail. Take this to the Googins Island overlook. During the summer the island is home to some special residents: osprey. They nest on the island before making their annual trip to South America in the fall.
Another great Wolfe’s Neck activity is quintessential Maine: clamming. While you probably won’t catch enough for dinner (but maybe a light snack?), you will definitely work up an appetite.
Maine Beer Company
Maine is home to more than 100 craft breweries, so you could say beer is kind of a way of life here. You could plan your whole trip to Maine around visiting breweries, but whether you’re gung ho for beer or just fancy a pint, there are a couple of breweries right in Freeport worth trying. We have a mini Freeport brewery guide here, and at the top of the list is Maine Beer Company.
You will want to check their website for a current tap list and food menu (they have a limited selection of pizza, salad and snacks). Consider making a reservation (they allow you to make one up to 3 days in advance), especially during the busy summer season. Doggos are welcome! You can also grab bottles to go if all you want to do is crack open a cold one while relaxing in the cabin’s hot tub. No shame. You’re on vacation in vacationland after all.