Among the many attributes of York Harbor and York village are the set of shoreline walks that   provide not only exercise but a exposure to the beauty of the rugged Maine coast. The Steedman Nature Preserve walk, Fisherman’s Walk and the York Harbor Cliff Walk all connect to provide a great afternoon’s outing to work up an appetite for a big lobster dinner.

Steedman Nature Preserve
The Steedman Nature Preserve was a gift of a local man to the town. This is an easy stroll, though wet weather can make the path muddy. Start on Route 103 at the causeway dam that creates Barrel Mill Pond and separates it from the York River. The parking here is all reserved so park on the other side of the bridge at the town dock. The pond itself has a fascinating history having powered mills and provided ice to 19thC. New England cities. A green swinging suspension bridge, referred to locally as the “Wiggly Bridge”  (built in 1936) crosses the dam outlet. Local kids and others like to swim in this fresh water pond and it is used to practice kayak rolls and other techniques. The bridge leads to a series of trails (look for the map), two trails for walkers only and one shared with bicyclists. At all seasons look for wildflowers along the path through these low lands between salt water and fresh.

Fisherman’s Walk
Opposite the entrance to the Steedman, at the end of the bridge guardrail, look for the trail that descends to the grounds of the Historic Sayward-Wheeler House, its history posted along the trail. The trail is clear and generally follows the edge of the harbor. From time to time it includes passages along the harbor side streets, providing views of historic wharf buildings and houses and even a place where lobsters can be bought. Crossing a green lawn, it crosses Stage Neck Road (the big resort is on the peninsula to the right). Cross it and at the beginning of Harbor Beach Road look for a path on the uphill side of the road. Along the way be sure to notice the harbor, buildings and the wildflowers growing along the way.

Hartley Mason Reservation
This path marks the beginning of the Hartley Mason Reservation, a new park owned by the town.  It replaces a set of old buildings that once blocked the view of the sea from the hilltop above. An attractive park, it has benches for contemplating the view, a monument to men lost at sea and plaques detailing the history of the region. Follow the path down toward the sea (with a view of harbor Beach below).

York Harbor Cliff Walk
The main part of the Cliff Walk starts at the base of the Reservation. At times an easy jaunt over smooth concrete walkways, in other places it can become a careful picking of the way over sharp rocky outcroppings. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes with soles that grip well. Through the generous cooperation of the owners of the mansions on the cliff above, the path passes literally through their front yards, the rocky shore to one side and lush lawns on the other. Again, this is a place to savor the scenery, the wildflowers and the rocky strength of the ocean shore. At its end the view is of a set of huge “cottages” perched on the sea’s edge. A grassy path leads from the shore to a short street and back to York Street (Route 1-A). The walk back along the street is worth the effort for its views of even more “cottages”. York has many fine hotels, inns and B&B's.

Text and photos © Stillman Rogers 2009