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  This is likely a great time to hike this trail!  Check out "Preferred" months below, keep in mind this is an estimate.
 

The Marginal Way, ME

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Difficulty 1 of 5
Route Finding 1 of 5
Distance Round Trip 2.3 miles
Trailhead Elevation 35 feet
Elevation Gain 10 feet
Accumulated Gain 109 feet
Avg Time Round Trip 1:15 hours
Kokopelli Seeds 2.85
 Interest Historic
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Inaugural Calculation on Button Tap!
14  2025-06-29
Ogunquit-York
The_Eagle
Author
author avatar Guides 41
Routes 1,626
Photos 14,983
Trips 2,760 map ( 18,597 miles )
Age 69 Male Gender
Location Far NE Phoenix, Az
Associated Areas
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Southern Region
Historical Weather
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Preferred May, Sep, Oct, Jun → 7 AM
Sun  5:09am - 6:13pm
Official Route
 
1 Alternative
 


Less Hike, More Vibe
by The_Eagle

  Likely In-Season!
Warning
This trail is really easy, but it can get super crowded, especially in the summer. It’s all out in the open, so bring sunscreen and water. If it rains, the path might be a little slippery. Also, you’re not allowed to ride bikes or skateboards on it.


Overview
The Marginal Way is a short walking trail along the ocean in Ogunquit, Maine, near York. It’s about 1.25 miles long and completely paved, so it’s more like a scenic walk than a real hike. There are awesome ocean views, benches to sit on, and cool places to check out along the way, like rocks, tide pools, and little beaches. It connects two fun places: Perkins Cove and Ogunquit Beach.
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History
The trail has been around since the 1920s. A guy named Josiah Chase gave the land to the town so everyone could enjoy the ocean views forever. The name “Marginal Way” comes from the fact that it’s right on the edge between land and sea. The town has taken care of it ever since, and it’s now one of the most famous coastal walks in Maine.

Prologue
Even though it’s not a big hike with hills or mountains, it’s still really cool. The ocean views are amazing, there are boats and birds everywhere, and it just feels peaceful. It’s a great place to chill out, take photos, or just enjoy being by the sea.

Hike
We started at Ogunquit Beach, where you can walk in the sand or grab a snack. Then we walked along the cliffs on the paved path. There are tons of benches and spots to stop and look at the waves. We turned around at Perkins Cove, which is a little harbor with shops and restaurants.

Note
The trail is taken care of by a group that helps keep it nice, so you might see signs asking for donations. There are also some signs along the way with facts about the area. It’s a great place to visit early in the morning if you want fewer people and an awesome sunrise. We tried first to do it late morning and could not find parking. In the late afternoon, there was no problem. We parked close by in a pay-by-the-hour public lot.

Synopsis
The Marginal Way is a really pretty and easy walk right next to the ocean. It’s not a hard hike, but the views are amazing. You’ll see cliffs, waves, birds, boats, and more. It’s a great way to spend an hour or two if you’re in southern Maine and want to do something relaxing and fun.

2025-07-02 The_Eagle


    Check out the Official Route and Triplog.
    Leave No Trace and +Add a Triplog after your hike to support this local community.
    WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.

     Permit $$
    None


     Directions
    or
     Road
    Paved - Car Okay

    To hike
    Northern entrance is off of Shore Road in Ogunquit, Me.
    Southern Entrance is off of Oarweed Road by Perkins Cove.
    Paid Parking is in most areas
    page created by HAZ_Hikebot on Jul 02 2025 1:35 pm
     90+° 8am - 6pm kills
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