The Marginal Way

What a lovely, lovely walk this is. Full of scenic vistas, an abundance of both wild flora and curated gardens, bird watching, and sweeping, panoramic ocean views, this walking path is absolutely deserving of your attention if nature and fresh air is appealing to you (and why wouldn’t it be, especially here in the great state of Maine?).
The mostly flat, sometimes gently winding walk — which is over a mile long — can be started either at Perkins Cove (by Jackie’s Too Restaurant) or nearish to Ogunquit Beach (by Anchorage by The Sea). The land the footpath is on was donated in 1925 to Ogunquit and is maintained today by an NPO. It doesn’t loop, so you will have to backtrack along the same way you came, but really that isn’t a problem when there’s so much to see. There are also a tremendous amount of benches along the path, so feel free to stop and take it all in. This is an exceptional walk for people of all ages and abilities, as it’s very easy to do.
Loved that we decided to spend some time here — oddly enough we didn’t actually make it all the way to the end because we were just ambling along and before we knew it the sun was beginning to set — and am delighted to come back when it’s a bit warmer.
So, grab a cup of coffee, a good friend, and a take an afternoon off to leisurely stroll along the incredibly charming Marginal Way.

If you’re in the area, or near the area this walkway is well worth stopping at (then head to Perkins cove and grab a bite to eat).the views are amazing. During the summer the flowers are all in bloom, all kind and colors along the path. There are plenty of benches along the way so you can sit and just look out at the ocean. The path has some inclines but nothing that seemed too strenuous.

Charming, well-​kept walkway runs over the coast in Ogunquit.
it is beautiful any time of the day or year, and in any weather.
It is romantic at night, breathtaking during the day, and impressive when storm clouds sweep in…
Around every bend and every corner you find new views to see and little nooks to explore — rocky outcrops, waves hitting the shore, winter berries adding color to the walk… There are quite a few benches to sit on and enjoy the scenery — or perch on one of the rocks and get lost at sight of the storming sea…
I want to go back already.

This is a nice walk along the coastline and has some great views of the Atlantic. There are many benches along the way donated from various families in honor of deceased relatives. I could have sat there for hours staring off into the edge of the ocean. There were many bugs around the area which made it more annoying. Definitely worth a visit and take a walk, find a bench and sit for 15 minutes to enjoy the views, talk with a family member or friend and reflect on life for a bit from your hectic life. You’ll be glad you did.

Fantastic. Breathtaking. Beautiful. Relaxing. Marginal Way is a beautiful paved walkway along the Atlantic Ocean in Ogunquit Maine with great little Inns and restaurants on one end and the other. A must for a summer get-​a-​way.

Always a favorite, what’s better than exercise, seeing beautiful rocks, the beach, the water, pretty homes/​inns. Did it twice, once in drizzly rain, and once in sunshine.
Gotta do this multiple times on each trip to Ogunquit.
Beautiful.

Great walk with beautiful views and some nice homes on the landward side.

simply gorgeous coastal pedestrian trail. bring a camera or not. sit by a bench and stare at the horizon. this is such a beautiful walk whenever weather permits of course. stunning views.

Off the charts beachfront walkway. Sweeping vistas of Maine’s rocky coast.
Benches along the way are located at great photographic opportunities.
See my pics. No more words are needed.

Just do it folks, it’s that simple.
And don’t forget to drop a buck or two in the donation box to help support the maintenance and upkeep of this beautiful treasure.

Wow! Breathtaking rocky, coastal views abound throughout this entire path. I was especially intrigued by the vegetation– beach roses and peas, tiny red berries– that lines the entire path. But the best part of Marginal Way is that it’s completely free, and within easy walking distance of the town center. There are also benches that dot the whole path in case you need a rest or want to take in an extended view.
Marginal Way is way too narrow for bikes, especially given the heavy tourist traffic that it gets, but even though it’s strictly a walking path, I love it all the same.

Take a short adventure here mid April to early May, when the temperature is comfortable, and before the crowds come rolling. There are no dogs allowed on this pathway; in general, it is tough to find a spot in this area that permits you to walk your dog. That being said, the pathway is very clean and well maintained. There are comfy benches all along the seascape route, which needless to say, took my breath away. I’ll be revisiting this place in my dreams if I’m on the wrong coast.

«Be sure there are no bees present before stopping to smell the flowers.»
«Do you smell that? Do you like it? Isn’t that nice?»
These and other words can be heard along this famous historic walk. Did you know the Marginal Way has been around for nearly a century? The path offers a nice long winding tour of the seaside. Not for the faint of heart, especially if you decide to go off the beaten path climbing down onto the rugged rock ledges. Trust that you can get a great photo of you do. You won’t be disappointed. Just remember, don’t disrupt nature or the bees!

As we approached Perkins Cove, I passed on the opportunity to park in a private lot for $ 15 in favor of $ 7 for 2 hours in the town-​owned lot. Had we continued on another 15 yards, we would have found 2 free parking spaces. Perkins Cove is picturesque but very small so after taking a few photos from the wooden bridge, we headed off for the equally picturesque Marginal Way. I found this gravel pathway that hugs the rugged coastline for over a mile to be even more impressive than the Cliff Walk in Newport. On our return to the parking lot, my wife attempted to pass our parking receipt on to another visitor but was caught in the act by the lot attendant and duly admonished. LOL

What a wonderful path for a morning constitutional! We even got to explore some small tide pools left by the receding ocean: sea snails galore.
If you’re spending any time in Ogunquit, don’t miss this gem. And bring your camera!

Absolutely, stunningly gorgeous. Such an amazing walk! There’s lots of places to stop and enjoy the view, sit on a bench, or climb onto the rocks or beach to get a closer look. Love it.

To
see
the
sea
The Marginal Way has been entertaining, edifying and amazing people ever since Josiah Chase Jr donated this land back in 1925. The path has been paved over, repaired and even had a bit added over the decades but it remains the same wonderful little margin of land that it was since the very beginning.
The area gets pounded by fierce storms, nor’easters, blizzards and even an occasional hurricane and the path has been torn apart, parts washed away and just hammered by nature. But it always has been repaired and still preserves.
Only a little over a mile long it is a journey that takes the traveler on a wonderful trip along the quintessential Maine coast line. Rocky, rugged and wild, the Marginal Way is an adventure in all weather all year long.
In the summer it can get packed and difficult because of the crowds but in the winter you frequently can have it all to yourself. Not a difficult walk as long as you don’t get stupid and fall over a cliff, it winds slowly up, down and around the rocks and edges.
Lots of pink and white beach roses, honeysuckle and flowers in the spring and summer but in the winter it is usually covered in ice or snow and tortured and distorted shrubbery and a howling and biting wind are your companions. The once gentle path bares it’s teeth and shows it’s wild side.
Stunning views of the rocks, cliffs, grand and historic houses and of course always the raging ocean are always there. The Marginal Way is one of the most memorable one mile walks I have ever been on.

What could be more romantic or adventure entreating than a beach lined with rocks?
I was in the adventurous mood, so my friends and I explored the rocks closest to the ocean. Was that stupid? Maybe, especially considering it was raining on and off, but what’s life without a little exploration? We all left unscathed, anyway ;D
The path for those only seeking to enjoy the view with their loved ones, friends, or family… or alone is very well maintained. I’d love to return to Marginal Way on a date someday.
It’s very peaceful, and if you check out the photographs, worth the walk.

I adore the Marginal Way. My parents used to bring me all the time when I was a little kid and this past summer I put it on my list of things I absolutely had to do. I knocked a bunch of stuff off that list, but the Marginal Way was one of my favorites.
The walk is absolutely gorgeous. Being one with nature while you forget all about life in the city and work and deadlines and alll that crap… you can breathe here. It’s zen. Zen is good.

I do this way every day, every summer on my vacation and I find something new every time. Last year it was a baby seal sunning itself on the rocks. They have made many improvements to the walk over the years and it very manageable for all ages. Beware, dogs are not allowed in season on the route.
I love this «beautiful place by the sea» so much, I have asked my family that when I pass I want to be cremated and my ashes spread here so I can enjoy it for eternity.