History
Reid State Park bears the distinct honor as being Maine's first state-owned saltwater park. In 1946, prosperous businessman and philanthropist Walter E. Reid donated land located in Georgetown to the State of Maine with the intent that it be forever preserved. Over the years the park grew into the attraction it is today, with thousands of visitors flocking there to enjoy its sandy beaches and beautiful scenery.
Beaches and Swimming
The Park contains two pristine beaches, Mile and Half Mile, which both contain sand dunes which are a rarity in Maine. For you geology buffs, check out The Geology of Mile and Half Mile Beaches. One can spend a day on either beach and never feel overcrowded since the size of the parking lot restricts the number of visitors. My husband and I visited on a weekend in early July last year and it was pretty quiet (although COVID restrictions may have had something to do with that). At low tide, the beaches and rocky coast offer plenty of tidepools for exploring. If the icy cold Atlantic isn’t your style, there is also a calmer and warmer saltwater lagoon within the park as well.
Griffith Head
Griffith Head, a rocky headland overlooking Mile Beach, offers visitors a stunning view of sweeping seascapes. On a clear day, one can see the lighthouses on Seguin Island, The Cuckolds, and Hendricks Head. Damariscove, Outer Head, and Southport Islands can also be seen on the horizon. The area around Griffith Head is a blast to climb around on if you’re into that sort of adventure and the sea roses during the summer smell amazing!
Wildlife
Reid State Park is open year-round and is the site of nesting and breeding areas each Springtime for Piping Plovers and Least Terns, both endangered species. Other shore birds also use the beaches as resting and feeding areas. The Park abounds with many other birds and wildlife that live among the surrounding forest, ocean, and marshland.
What to Know Before Visiting
There is an entrance fee to enter the park. There are bathrooms at each beach that include a showers as well as snack bars for your convenience. If you’re lucky, you may even happen upon an ice cream truck like we did when we visited. I recommend the ginger!
Reid sometimes gets socked in with fog that may not appear until you’re inside the park. It’s always a good idea to check the weather forecast specifically at the beach before planning your trip. Even in the fog, it’s still a wonderful area to explore!
For more information about the park, click here.
My Reid State Park print comes in multiple sizes.