Hiking Cutts Island Trail on the Rachel Carson Nature Preserve - panoramic view  tree outdoor landscape nature mountain sky autumn plant cloud background lake painting forest surrounded distance
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Hiking in Cutts Island Trail on the Rachel Carson Nature Preserve: trails, map and practical info

Maine Beaches • Maine

4.5 Appreciated by 22 hikers
François Dumaine
By François DumaineContributor since 2022Updated 23/06/2026
Difficulty
Easy
Distance
2 km
Elevation
7 ft
Duration
30min

Introduction

The Cutts Island Trail is an easy 1.6 to 1.8-mile loop hike located within the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge in Wells, Maine. This flat, well-marked trail offers visitors of all ages an accessible way to experience diverse coastal Maine habitats — salt marsh, pine forest, and tidal creekside — without requiring technical skills or significant physical effort. It's an ideal destination for birders, nature photographers, and anyone seeking to connect with the ecological richness of Maine's southern coast.

Recommended for :
Beginners

Ready to explore Cutts Island Trail on the Rachel Carson Nature Preserve? Here's everything you need to know before you go!

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Trail description

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"main_paragraph": "

The Cutts Island Trail on the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge is one of those rare coastal hikes that delivers a genuinely rich nature experience without asking much in return. At just 1.6 kilometers, this easy loop is essentially flat and takes about 30 minutes to complete — but the variety of ecosystems packed into that short distance makes it feel like considerably more ground covered.

",
"elevation_section": "

The elevation profile is essentially flat with no significant elevation changes. There are no technical sections, scrambles, or steep pitches to deal with. This makes the Cutts Island Trail a genuinely accessible option for families with young kids, older hikers, or anyone who wants to spend time in a beautiful coastal environment without a physical challenge being part of the equation.

"
}

Recommended gear for this trail

LGPO Pick
Elixir Tour Mid WP
Salomon
Elixir Tour Mid WP
4.5 (2847 reviews)
Waterproof mid-height boot ideal for rocky terrain
203.38 $
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Daylite Plus 20L
Osprey
Daylite Plus 20L
4.7 (3215 reviews)
Lightweight and versatile for day hikes
109.99 $
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Most Popular
Wide Mouth 1L
Nalgene
Wide Mouth 1L
4.8 (12540 reviews)
Unbreakable and BPA-free — a hiking essential
23.11 $
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Best Value
Trail Ergo Cork
Black Diamond
Trail Ergo Cork
4.4 (1456 reviews)
Comfortable cork grip for long ascents
69.99 $
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Actik Core 625
Petzl
Actik Core 625
4.6 (1893 reviews)
USB rechargeable with 600 lumens for early starts
103.95 $
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Affiliate links — LGPO may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Ready to go?

Everything you need to know before you go

Where?

Address
37 Seapoint Rd, Kittery Point, ME 03905, USA
GPS coordinates
43.0878272, -70.6755458
Phone
Not available

Starting Point

The Cutts Island Trail is located on the Rachel Carson Nature Preserve in Maine. To get to the start of the trails, take exit 9 from I-95 and follow Route 1 north for 2.5 miles. Turn left onto the preserve entrance road and follow it for 0.5 miles to the parking area.

When?

Opening hours
From sunrise to sunset
Varies by season
Best season
Fall
Spectacular colors
Best time
Early morning
Less crowded
Weather (next days)
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How much?

Entry fees
Adult
Not available
Child
What to bring?
Gear
Download the PDF checklist
Water & food
2L minimum
No water point on the trail
Bring energy snacks for a 4h+ hike
Good to know
Park rules
No dogs
Safety
Download the GPX before you go
Limited cellular coverage on the trail
Slippery after rain
Be careful on rocky sections
In an emergency
Emergency
911
Parking GPS
43.0878272, -70.6755458
Center
Not available

Hikers' opinions

4.5
22 Reviews
S
Sarah
Nov 15, 2025
This preserve offers a wonderful short nature walk with excellent views of the salt marsh ecosystem. The easy terrain makes it accessible for most visitors, and the interpretive signage throughout enhances the educational experience. Binoculars are highly recommended for observing the diverse bird species. Just remember that pets aren't permitted to protect the sensitive wildlife habitat.
S
Sarah
Nov 14, 2025
This preserve delivers a wonderful short nature walk with remarkable views across the salt marsh ecosystem. The trail is straightforward to navigate and packed with educational signage about local wildlife. While dogs aren't permitted to protect sensitive habitats, the trade-off is worth it for serious bird watchers. Bring binoculars and plan for parking fees when visiting.
M
Michael
Aug 22, 2025
A wonderful coastal escape featuring well-maintained trails through diverse habitats showcasing Rachel Carson's conservation legacy. The minimal elevation gain makes it family-friendly and accessible. While entrance and parking fees are required and dogs aren't allowed, the educational value about marine biology and the peaceful atmosphere justify the visit for nature enthusiasts.
M
Michael
Aug 22, 2025
An exceptional coastal destination that beautifully showcases Maine's natural heritage. The minimal elevation gain and well-maintained pathways make it perfect for families and casual hikers. I spent considerable time exploring the various habitats and learning about marine ecology. The preserve's commitment to conservation education is evident at every turn.
M
Michael
Aug 9, 2025
An exceptional coastal preserve that truly captures Maine's natural heritage. The gentle terrain with minimal elevation gain makes it welcoming for families and casual hikers alike. I spent considerable time exploring the different habitats and absorbing the marine ecology lessons throughout. The preserve's commitment to conservation education shines through every aspect of the experience.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know
Easy
7.30 m
30min
No
No
Yes, the Cutts Island Trail is an easy hike, making it suitable for beginners and those looking for a leisurely outdoor experience. With only 1.6 km of distance and minimal elevation gain of 10 m, it's an accessible option for most fitness levels.
The Cutts Island Trail has an elevation gain of 10 m, making it a very gentle hike with minimal climbing. This low elevation change contributes to the trail's easy difficulty rating.
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Update : June 2026