Breakwater and Marie Reed Park
Categories: Public Services & Government Landmarks & Historical Buildings Local Flavor Active Life Parks Landmarks & Historical Buildings, Local Flavor, Parks [Edit]
Samoset RdRockland, ME 04841
4 reviews for Breakwater and Marie Reed Park
4 reviews in English
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Review from Michelle B.
Albany, NY
A little lighthouse in a cool and pretty location. I recommend comfy shoes for this walk, which will take a while due to the terrain. Although the rocks are very stable, there are a lot of crevices and cracks for you to lose your children, so watch out for that. This hike is probably best for kids small enough to strap on your back, or those over the age of seven who won't get caught up paying more attention to the scenery than their foot placement and potentially take a faceplant into the granite. Just sayin'.
I was here on a beautiful Tuesday in August, and while the weather was perfect for a long walk (yay), there was no open gift shop or museum (boo). -
Review from Sara N.
New York, NY
8/17/2010
Breakwater was on Elly's "list of things to do while in Maine", and we're happy she did some kind of research, since Melody H. and I were more concerned with where we would eat. Oh Elizabeth, you are one smart cookie.
There's a constant in Maine during this time of year, I've realized. Sunshine, blue skies, wispy white clouds, sparkling open water, and an abundance of green. Walking along the 7/8-mile long path towards the lighthouse, was calming and unbelievably soothing. You do, however, need to be careful as your foot could get stuck in between the rocks if you don't watch your step. Along the way we stopped to chat with local fishermen, who lined the edges of the water. Most popular catch? Mackerel. Mm.. fresh mackerel. Mr. Fisherman, can we be friends?
From afar, the end of breakwater shows a house. A New England-style white house with a looming flagstaff out front. Not quite a traditional lighthouse, but upon closer inspection, a small light tower appears from behind. Enter the gift shop and living quarters, which now serve as a small historic museum, for a quick tour before heading up the ladder to the top. While speaking to the lighthouse caretaker, she tells me to ignore the 7/8-mile long path. It's really one full mile. I believe her, because heck, she's lived here all her life and me.. well, I've only been here short of an hour. After taking in the cool, crisp breeze, our stomachs began to grumble.
The mile long trek back to our car seemed much longer, now that we were hungry. Isn't that always the case? Passing by the same fishermen we crossed paths with, we see they've caught a mackerel! Mr. Fisherman, can we pretty please be friends?
The lighthouse is open to the public and entry is free. The path to Breakwater is lined with beautiful marble benches paying tribute to loved ones, woodpeckers pecking, and giant bumble bees feasting on colourful wildflowers. For us, it was a great morning walk and an even better start to our day. -
Review from Jessie Z.
11/22/2010
I think this place would have been awesome if we weren't so stupid to trek out to the middle of it in the middle of November. What idiots we are? It's cold and windy - i could see how awesome it would be to walk this walkway in the middle of august - nice cool walk in the middle of the water. Would be awesome. Not so awesome in November.
Love the concept - I'll need to come back in a warmer month to check it out again. -
Review from Shaina P.
10/12/2009 1 photo
From the end of Samoset Road at the Rockland/Rockport town line, park your car, and take a walk along the shoreline to the 7/8-mile long breakwater.
Rockland Breakwater Light (1902) is situated at the end of the beautifully built breakwater (1899): enormous blocks of Maine granite, pieced together to form a stable, flat, surface. Dog and responsible-kid friendly.
You'll be tempted to turn away. It doesn't look like the lighthouse is almost one mile from the shoreline. But allowing your curiosity to take you, you'll be pleasantly pleased to find that the light house is open to the public. Enclosed now is a small museum and access to the refurbished light-keepers' quarters. You can climb slowly up the iron ladder to the light, walk around, and inside. Hold on tight outside, the wind can be a bit crazy.
The lighthouse and breakwater is a relaxing and enjoyable way to spend a morning with beautiful views of the water and a chance to observe greedy seagulls and indomitable lobstermen.
