Today’s joyous vagary was a trip to Cutler, Maine to hike the Western Head Preserve Trail. A 3.2 mile out-and-back trail is rated as easy. The terrain was varied – woods with roots and rocks, as well as a few instances of rocky coastal walking. It was a beautiful day – plenty of sunshine, breezy, and temps in the 70’s.
The trail was not blazed through the woods, but did have the occasional signage pointing in the direction of the trail. there were a couple of areas that required hikers to follow the painted blue blazes on the rock ledges (some were rather faint). Aside of from that, there was one place on the trail that was not clearly marked, and could lead one in the wrong direction – a potential joyous vagary in and of itself!
Overall, this was a nice trail to hike.
Sign at the parking area of Western Head Preserve.A short gravel road walk to the Western Head TrailCove at the head of Little River in Cutler, MaineFollowing the signs to Western Head TrailLittle River, Cutler, MaineLooking back from the trail….walk among the ‘cobbles’, which happens a few times along the trail.From woods to rocky beach, and back to the woods.Where the bold coast meets the woods.5 mile in from the parking area – where the Western Head Trail ‘officially’ begins.Another ‘cobble’ walk along the trail.Boat headed to Little River IslandYup, the trial goes to the right.Morning Glory along the Western Head Preserve TrailGuardian of the TrailMore beach cobble; trail enters back into the woods at the big driftwood treeCloser look at this huge piece of driftwood!Start of a 1 mile loop trail.Skirting the bold coast through the woods.Looks like an ominous climb, but a foothold was found between the roots.A peek out of the woods – this is NOT part of the trail!Little River Lighthouse, Cutler, ME.Yes, a very bold coastOne of a few “Trail goes this way” signs.Some good advice!One of the more obvious painted blazes on the coastal trail.Looking left as the trail turns rightThe tide is coming in. Simply impressive!Strategically placed cairn.Another bold coast viewNice shadows through the woods.Some puncheons along the trail.Interesting shape of a spruce. There must be a story there…!A puncheon path.The Western Head Preserve Trail route
