This Mesmerizing And Uncrowded Maine Beach Is Worth The Hike To Get To

Amazing hidden beaches can be found all around the world, from Bali and South Africa to Costa Rica and the Caribbean. But even on the Eastern Seaboard of the U.S., you can find secluded spots that are as beguiling as those in the most exotic locations. One of these is Laudholm Beach on Maine's central coast. You have to hike a little ways to reach this special place, but the journey is well worth it. 

Once you arrive at the beach, you'll have a half mile of pristine coastline to explore, with stunning views and plenty of tide pools to check out at low tide. The beach itself is a mix of beige and dark gray sands sprayed with seashells and sea-polished rocks, backed by swaying grasses and forest with a river mouth at one end. You probably won't find crowds at this beach, but depending on the season, you may encounter darting butterflies and sea birds, particularly least terns with their distinct black and white caps and the piping plovers, which make themselves known by their adorable whistles. Enjoy and photograph these sweet creatures but give them a wide berth so as not to disturb their feeding and nesting activities. 

Unless you own one of the private houses adjacent to the beach (and if you do, lucky you), the only way to get to Laudholm Beach is via an easy 1-mile hike from Wells Reserve at Laudholm, which is just over 2 miles northeast of downtown Wells.Visitors have reported lots of mosquitoes in this area during certain times of year, so make sure to bring bug spray unless you're coming in the dead of winter. Also know that a small admission fee is required to enter the reserve except for children under six years old and reserve members.

Once in the reserve, hop on the Knight Trail, which connects to the Barrier Beach Trail that then leads to the beach. The first part of the route travels through peaceful grassland and an abandoned apple orchard before meandering through a dreamy aspen grove, lush with ferns and other greenery in the warmer months. The trail then crosses a dike before passing through the Drakes Island gate and ending at the beach. While you're contemplating Maine's glorious coastline, check out this article on hiking to another of the state's secret beaches.

There are several more miles of trails to discover around Wells Reserve, through landscapes alternating between grassland, marshes, and conifer-hardwood forest. One highlight is right off the Laird-Norton trail, where the Barrier Beach Overlook sits on the edge of a salt marsh, with great views of the mouth of the Little River. Meanwhile, the Saw-Whet Trail travels through thickly forested areas, which provide a cool refuge during summer and are aglow with color in autumn.

The reserve also features a Visitor Center, with exhibits on local wildlife and the history of Laudholm Farm. Judy P., a recent reviewer on Tripadvisor described their positive experience of these exhibits: "The current bird photography exhibit was excellent and a favorite of ours. The historical exhibits documenting the history of the farm, with historical photos, was also excellent." The reserve also offers guided walking and kayak tours and a lecture series on climate stewardship.

Beyond the reserve, a plethora of experiences await travelers in this part of Maine. Nature lovers will love the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge, also in Wells. The refuge is a protected area of salt marshes and estuaries, which are important habitat for migratory birds. In addition, the must-see charming seaside town of Kennebunkport is less than 5 miles from the Wells Reserve at Laudholm.