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Log inIn Kittery Point, an idyllic bike ride
In Kittery Point, an idyllic bike ride
by Outspoken on Sun Jun 08, 2008 11:45 am
In Kittery Point, an idyllic bike ride
By MELISSA KIM
Portland Press Herald
Ingredients for a great lazy Sunday ride: Three beaches, two forts, ocean views complete with lighthouses and a pier, lobster shack with picnic tables right on the water, fields of wildflowers, no serious hills, and a walk-up ice cream window.
If that's a recipe that suits your taste, then make your way down to Kittery Point. Many cyclists have already discovered the pleasures of this area; I saw cyclists of all types, from serious Lycra-clad speedsters to casual sightseers, when I rode this 15-mile loop on a recent Sunday.
I began at Fort McClary State Historic Site, off Route 103. To get here, take Route 103 or Route 236 from Kittery; it's about three miles from the intersection with Route 1 and is clearly marked. There's room for about a dozen cars to park here. There is a $2 entrance fee to walk in and explore the grounds.
Defensive buildings have been guarding the Piscataqua River here as far back as 1689. Peaceful now, the site has a distinctive central blockhouse, several outbuildings and a granite wall. Perhaps one of Fort McClary's most appealing features now is its wonderful views of the river.
Leaving the fort behind, ride down the dirt access road and turn right onto Route 103. In half a mile, riding along a winding road with smooth pavement but no shoulder, you'll come to the village of Kittery Point (said by some to be Maine's oldest town), anchored by a post office and Frisbee's 1828 market. There's also Cap'n Simeon's Galley, a restaurant sitting right on a scenic wharf. Here's where you'll find the ice cream window, worth remembering for the end of the ride.
At Mile 1.0, turn right onto Chauncey Creek Road. You'll soon come to Chauncey Creek Lobster Pier, with its tempting aroma of fried seafood, colorful picnic tables and tranquil creekside setting.
At Mile 1.6, you'll come to a intersection where, on the right, a well-paved bridge crosses the creek taking you onto Gerrish Island. Over the bridge, turn right on Pocahontas Road towards Fort Foster. This up-and-down road takes you through the forested interior of the island, dead-ending at the gate to Fort Foster. This would also be a good place to start a ride, if you want to make a day trip of it. The grounds include picnic areas, a pavilion, playground, three beaches, pier, bathhouses and walking trails. It costs $10 for a vehicle, but $5 per person to bike in.
I paid the fee and rode around the park's paved and dirt roads, taking in the views of Portsmouth Harbor, Whaleback Lighthouse, and, off in the distance, the Isle of Shoals. The paved road takes you to Pier Beach and the long pier. It's marked as a sandy beach, and perhaps there's sand at low tide, but it seemed quite rocky to me, more suited to beachcombing than sunbathing or swimming. The road in to Whaleback Beach (also known as Windsurfers Beach) and Rocky Beach (also called Scuba Beach) is primarily a rocky dirt road, but it's worth it for the great views and sweet picnic spots.
http://pressherald.mainetoday.com/story.php?id=191911&ac=Outdoors
Melissa Kim photos
By MELISSA KIM
Portland Press Herald
Ingredients for a great lazy Sunday ride: Three beaches, two forts, ocean views complete with lighthouses and a pier, lobster shack with picnic tables right on the water, fields of wildflowers, no serious hills, and a walk-up ice cream window.
If that's a recipe that suits your taste, then make your way down to Kittery Point. Many cyclists have already discovered the pleasures of this area; I saw cyclists of all types, from serious Lycra-clad speedsters to casual sightseers, when I rode this 15-mile loop on a recent Sunday.
I began at Fort McClary State Historic Site, off Route 103. To get here, take Route 103 or Route 236 from Kittery; it's about three miles from the intersection with Route 1 and is clearly marked. There's room for about a dozen cars to park here. There is a $2 entrance fee to walk in and explore the grounds.
Defensive buildings have been guarding the Piscataqua River here as far back as 1689. Peaceful now, the site has a distinctive central blockhouse, several outbuildings and a granite wall. Perhaps one of Fort McClary's most appealing features now is its wonderful views of the river.
Leaving the fort behind, ride down the dirt access road and turn right onto Route 103. In half a mile, riding along a winding road with smooth pavement but no shoulder, you'll come to the village of Kittery Point (said by some to be Maine's oldest town), anchored by a post office and Frisbee's 1828 market. There's also Cap'n Simeon's Galley, a restaurant sitting right on a scenic wharf. Here's where you'll find the ice cream window, worth remembering for the end of the ride.
At Mile 1.0, turn right onto Chauncey Creek Road. You'll soon come to Chauncey Creek Lobster Pier, with its tempting aroma of fried seafood, colorful picnic tables and tranquil creekside setting.
At Mile 1.6, you'll come to a intersection where, on the right, a well-paved bridge crosses the creek taking you onto Gerrish Island. Over the bridge, turn right on Pocahontas Road towards Fort Foster. This up-and-down road takes you through the forested interior of the island, dead-ending at the gate to Fort Foster. This would also be a good place to start a ride, if you want to make a day trip of it. The grounds include picnic areas, a pavilion, playground, three beaches, pier, bathhouses and walking trails. It costs $10 for a vehicle, but $5 per person to bike in.
I paid the fee and rode around the park's paved and dirt roads, taking in the views of Portsmouth Harbor, Whaleback Lighthouse, and, off in the distance, the Isle of Shoals. The paved road takes you to Pier Beach and the long pier. It's marked as a sandy beach, and perhaps there's sand at low tide, but it seemed quite rocky to me, more suited to beachcombing than sunbathing or swimming. The road in to Whaleback Beach (also known as Windsurfers Beach) and Rocky Beach (also called Scuba Beach) is primarily a rocky dirt road, but it's worth it for the great views and sweet picnic spots.
http://pressherald.mainetoday.com/story.php?id=191911&ac=Outdoors
Melissa Kim photos
"Music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and gaiety to life and to everything."
Plato (427-347 BC)
Plato (427-347 BC)
