In our continuing stroll down memory lane of dog friendly places we visited that we think you’d enjoy exploring too, today we are going all the way back to our 2016 trip to Mackworth Island in Falmouth, Maine. Located just minutes away from Portland, Mackworth Island is a scenic 1.25 mile walk around the perimeter of the island, with picturesque views of Casco Bay.  Dogs are allowed on-leash on both the path and along the rocky shore.

One of the unique features of this trail is “Mackworth Island Community Village,” home to an elaborate collection of fairy houses.  Visitors are encouraged to make their own fairy house using the natural materials on the island in order to welcome these elusive winged friends.  Adding to the magic of this walk are wooden swings nestled amongst the trees with scenic water views.  There is also a pet cemetery for the fourteen Irish Setters who once called this island home, when it was the summer residence of Percival Baxter. Also visible are remnants of a granite pier, built during the Civil War for union soldiers stationed at Mackworth which was known as Camp Berry at that time. 

Please respect the private property used by The Baxter School for the Deaf, by keeping your dog leashed and on the perimeter path.  Connected to the mainland by a causeway, parking is limited to approximately 20 cars, and does fill up quickly during peak hours.  Maintained by the State of Maine, there is a nominal entrance fee. Dogs must be leashed, and as always, please pick up after them.

For more information on our visit including photos and directions, visit Mackworth Island. To learn more about additional dog beaches, trails, and scenic walks in Maine and beyond, please visit our Living with a Golden Dog Friendly Places page.

And for those who can’t make it to Maine, here is a video of our visit from 5 years ago…