Today we are revisiting one of favorite hikes, Orris Falls in South Berwick, Maine. This trail provides a good balance of what we appreciate in a dog friendly hike including interesting historic features, unique rock formations, and the scenic beauty of nature. Traditionally when we visit, we begin our hike along Thurrell Road. Problem is Mom gets very distracted by the foundations of the Littlefield Homestead, and has even been known to quote from Sarah Orne Jewett’s 1889 short sketch, “The White Rose Road,” which was inspired by a visit to this former colonial road. Then while there, we inevitably find ourselves drawn to explore further the Big Bump Trail to Lachance Point, which in the winter has limited views of Mount Agamenticus. Therefore we end up focusing most of our time on this end of the trail, and don’t often make the moderate 1.8 mile hike to Balancing Rock.

So to break with habit, this visit we parked at the opposite end at Emery’s Bridge Road, and began by taking the short walk to the Balancing Rock Loop Trail. After taking the obligatory photos standing under this massive rock left balancing by a glacier, we returned to the main trail, with another stop at the Tatnic Ledges to recreate a favorite photo of me when I was just a 2 year old puppy, before Asa’s arrival. Back onto the main trail, we continued to where in the spring the falls would be flowing. However, it being a drought, there wasn’t much of anything to see there on this visit in September. What there was to see was improvements being made by the Great Works Regional Land Trust to Patti’s Trail which brings hikers down closer to the marsh area at this end of the 213 acre preserve. Here is where being in a drought is useful. There were a lot less mosquitoes swarming us than in more rainier seasons. Patti’s Trail looped us back to the main trail, and from there we decided to head back to the car.

Dogs are allowed at Orris Falls, but must be under owner’s control or on-leash. Due to the steep drop-offs and rugged terrain, we suggest keeping dogs on leash in some areas for their safety. Also please pick up all pet waste on this moderate in and out trail. Parking is available at either end on Emery’s Bridge Road and 100 Thurrell Road. Just look for the signs on these winding backroad. For our original review of Orris Falls and more recommendations, please visit our Dog Friendly Places reviews.

Oh and if you thought you’d get away on this virtual hike without hearing Mom quote from Sarah Orne Jewett’s “The White Rose Road” (1889), you didn’t… “It will be good to remember the white rose road and its quietness in many a busy town day to come. As I think of these slight sketches, I wonder if they will have to others a tinge of sadness; but I have seldom spent an afternoon so full of pleasure and fresh and delighted consciousness of the possibilities of rural life.”