Let's Cut to the Chase
Timber Point Trail in Biddeford is a stroller friendly 2.4-mile out-and-back ocean-side trail that starts at the beach, ends at a historical home that once belonged to Louise and Charles Ewing, and has plenty to see in between. If you time it right, you can even hike over to Timber Island at low tide!
Some Key Points
Find the trail on Google Maps by looking up Timber Point, Biddeford ME.
Parking is limited to about 10 spots maximum at the trailhead, so keep this in mind during the peak summer season.
Though this isn’t a particularly strenuous trail, it may seem long to young children, so I love that this hike is stroller friendly.
No dogs allowed unfortunately.
The Details
Sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean and Rachel Carson Marshland greet you as you make your way to Timber Point. The trail begins next to a quiet beach nestled in Curtis Cove. My kids aren't always up for a walk, so oftentimes this will be our final destination for a little beach combing, and that alone is enough. If you're up for an adventure, though, the rest of Timber Point has a lot of magic to unveil.
The trail breaks off from the ocean and passes through marshland on either side where birds abound. My daughter tried to trick the birds into thinking she “was a part of nature" by holding sticks and berries so they would land on her, but surprisingly that didn't seem to work.
Next you will come upon some abandoned boat houses at the edge of Little River that once belonged to the Ewing Family. If you walk to the back of the boathouses you'll find a long forgotten lifeboat restoration project that once belonged to one of the Ewing's Sons. Sadly he perished during WWII, but his unfinished boat remains to this day.
As you continue on your journey you will come across a Bee Habitat surrounded by pollinator friendly native plant landscaping. We stopped to walk the small path that meanders through the native landscape (yet to bloom), and serves to teach about native plant species.
A little further up, the trail gives you the choice to head straight ahead to the Ewing House, or turn right. We chose to turn right and walked through the forest for a time before coming back out to the ocean. We stopped and played on the rocky beach before following the signs leading us to the “Historic Buildings”
If you choose to continue straight past the signs leading you to the historic buildings, you will come out to where it is possible to cross over to Timber Island at low tide (Tides are posted at the beginning of the trail.) Personally we have never made it over to the island, as my kids like to stop and look at every single rock and seashell they come across, and trail reviewers have warned that you have limited time to make it to the island and back before the tide comes back in. You may have kids that move a little quicker than mine, or maybe you are on a kid free outing (yeay for you!) So use your best judgment in deciding if crossing over to Timber Island is a safe choice for your family.
The Historic Buildings once belonged to the Ewing Family. The main home with white siding and green shutters complete with tree cut-outs, is fairly well preserved from the outside. I had fun imagining Louise Ewing planting her perennial flowers and shrubs that still bloom around the property, or her boys playing on the nearby tennis courts (what a life!)
Though you aren’t able to go into the home, you are able to peek in and get a glimpse of what was. There is a sign in the front of the house facing the ocean that tells you a bit about the Ewing Family. Louise Ewing purchased Timber Point in 1929, and her husband, Charles Ewing, an architect, designed their home that was built in 1931. They were both artists and they had 3 sons who all fought in WWII. Most importantly, it is because of the Ewing’s that Timber Point has remained relatively unchanged over the years.
We stopped and looked at a sign mapping out the different structures on this vast property including a changing house and potting shed, before following the signs leading us back to the parking lot.
I love how there are new and exciting sights to be seen around every corner, keeping both kids and adults alike excited to continue on. Nature and history come together on this hike to create a beautiful synergy, making Timber Point the perfect hike to add to your summer bucket list for your family.
