Walking the Marginal Way

The Marginal Way is a mile-long paved path that winds along the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, connecting Ogunquit Beach to the picturesque harbor of Perkins Cove. It is, quite simply, one of the most beautiful and accessible coastal walks in America.

Unlike rugged hiking trails that demand boots and effort, the Marginal Way is gentle—a meandering path lined with wild roses, bayberry bushes, and wind-sculpted pines. It follows the contour of the rocky headland, rising and falling softly, offering view after view of the crashing surf, granite ledges, and the endless blue of the Atlantic.

This is a walk for everyone: families with strollers, couples seeking romance, elderly visitors wanting ocean views without the hike, photographers chasing the perfect wave shot. The Marginal Way asks nothing of you but to show up and pay attention.

History

The Marginal Way exists because of a single generous donation. In 1923, Josiah Chase gave this strip of oceanfront land to the town of Ogunquit with one condition: it must remain a public footpath forever. A century later, it remains exactly that—a gift to every visitor who walks its length.

The name “Marginal Way” comes from its position on the margin between land and sea—the edge where the solid earth gives way to the ever-changing ocean.

The Route

Basics

Length: 1.25 miles one way
Terrain: Paved path with gentle rolling hills
Time: 30-45 minutes one way (longer if you stop frequently, which you should)
Direction: Can be walked in either direction
Endpoints: Ogunquit Beach area (north) and Perkins Cove (south)

Accessibility

The Marginal Way is paved throughout and mostly accessible to wheelchairs and strollers. However:

Some sections have moderate slopes
A few areas have stairs (alternatives exist)
The path is narrow in places
Uneven sections occur where roots have lifted pavement

Overall: Most people with mobility challenges can complete the walk, but it’s not fully ADA-compliant. Scout conditions if accessibility is a concern.

Which Direction?

North to South (Beach to Perkins Cove):

End at Perkins Cove with restaurants and shops
Easier parking at the beach end
Walk toward the morning sun

South to North (Perkins Cove to Beach):

Start with coffee and pastry in the Cove
End at the beach
Walk toward the afternoon sun

The popular choice: Many people walk from the beach area to Perkins Cove, have lunch or explore the harbor, then take the trolley back.

What You’ll See

The Ocean Views

The Marginal Way delivers what it promises: mile after mile of Atlantic Ocean views. You’ll see:

Waves crashing on granite: The rocky coast here is dramatic, with waves exploding against ledges and sending spray into the air during rough conditions.
Tidal zones: Depending on the tide, you’ll see exposed rocks covered in seaweed and barnacles, or churning water reaching high on the ledges.
Open ocean: The view extends to the horizon, uninterrupted. On clear days, you can see miles out to sea.

The Benches

Dozens of memorial benches line the Marginal Way—nearly 100 in total. Each commemorates someone’s memory, their names and dates inscribed on plaques.

The unwritten rule: It is perfectly acceptable—expected, even—to sit on these benches and do nothing. Stare at the ocean. Watch the waves. Listen to the gulls. This is what the benches are for.

Some benches are positioned at particularly spectacular viewpoints. If one calls to you, take it.

The Landscape

Rosa rugosa: The wild beach roses bloom pink and white in early summer, filling the air with fragrance. Even when not blooming, their dense bushes line much of the path.

Bayberry and beach plum: Coastal shrubs that thrive in the salt air.

Gnarled pines: Wind-sculpted trees, bent by decades of ocean wind, frame views and provide occasional shade.

Granite outcrops: The bedrock breaks through in places, reminding you of Maine’s geological foundation.

Little Beach

About halfway along the path, a small rocky cove opens up—often called “Little Beach” or “Little Cove.” At low tide, it’s accessible for exploring:

Tide pools with sea life
Smooth rocks for sitting
A quieter spot away from the main path
Popular for photography

Timing: Check the tide chart. Low tide exposes more of the cove and tide pools. High tide covers much of the accessible area.

The Lighthouse Statue

Near the midpoint, a small white structure that looks like a lighthouse stands watch. It’s actually a monument featuring a bronze statue of a lobsterman—a tribute to the fishing heritage of the coast.

Wildlife

Birds: Seabirds are constant companions—gulls, cormorants, and occasionally ospreys or eagles.

Marine life: Watch for harbor seals in the water, especially in cooler months.

Tide pool creatures: Sea stars, crabs, periwinkles, and anemones in the rocky intertidal zone.

Perkins Cove

The southern terminus of the Marginal Way opens into Perkins Cove, one of the most photographed fishing harbors in Maine.

What’s There

The Drawbridge: A small, manually-operated pedestrian drawbridge crosses the entrance to the inner harbor. When a boat needs to pass, someone turns the crank to lift the bridge. It’s the only pedestrian drawbridge in the country.

Working Harbor: Despite the tourism, Perkins Cove remains a working harbor. Lobster boats head out early morning and return in the afternoon. Traps are stacked on the docks.

Restaurants: Multiple options from casual lobster shacks to sit-down seafood restaurants. Most have harbor views.

Shops and Galleries: Art galleries, boutiques, candy shops, and souvenir stores fill the small buildings around the cove.

Boat Tours: Whale watching, sailing, and fishing charters depart from the cove.

Eating in Perkins Cove

The cove is a prime lunch spot after your Marginal Way walk:

Lobster rolls: Multiple spots serve the Maine classic
Fried seafood: Clams, scallops, fish
Ice cream: Essential after a walk
Sit-down dining: Several restaurants with water views

Peak hours: Lunch rush (12-2 PM) gets crowded. Come early or late for easier seating.

The Ogunquit Beach End

The northern terminus connects to the beach area near the Sparhawk hotel.

From here you can:

Walk onto Ogunquit Beach
Access the beach parking area
Continue into Ogunquit village
Catch the trolley

Practical Information

Parking

Parking in Ogunquit is notoriously challenging, especially in summer.

Perkins Cove Lot:

Small capacity
Fills by mid-morning in summer
Close to Marginal Way’s southern end

Obed’s Lot (Beach End):

Near the northern trailhead
Also fills quickly

Main Beach Lot:

Largest parking area
Short walk to the Marginal Way
Best bet for finding a space (still can fill)

The smart strategy:

Park at the main beach lot
Walk the beach to reach the Marginal Way start
Walk to Perkins Cove
Take the trolley back to your car

The Ogunquit Trolley

The trolley is your secret weapon for enjoying the Marginal Way without doubling back.

How it works:

Open-air trolleys loop through Ogunquit all day in summer
Stops at Perkins Cove, the beach area, and throughout the village
Inexpensive ($2-3 per ride, day passes available)

The play: Walk the Marginal Way one direction, enjoy Perkins Cove (or the beach), then catch the trolley back to where you started.

Best Times to Walk

Time of Day:

Early morning: Quietest, softest light, peaceful
Midday: Busiest, brightest, hottest
Late afternoon/sunset: Golden light, thinning crowds, romantic

Season:

Summer: Peak crowds but full services, warm weather, flowers blooming
Fall: Beautiful, fewer crowds, comfortable temperatures
Spring: Quiet, can be foggy or cool, rhododendrons bloom
Winter: Very quiet, dramatic ocean views, dress warmly

Weather Considerations

Fog: Ogunquit gets foggy, especially in early summer. The Marginal Way in fog has its own moody beauty, but views are limited.

Wind: The exposed coastline is windy. Bring a jacket even on warm days.

Rain: The paved path gets slippery when wet. Passable but less pleasant.

Rough seas: After storms, the waves can be spectacular—spray reaches the path in places. Worth a visit for the drama.

Rules and Etiquette

Dogs: Allowed only from October 1 through March 31. No dogs during the busy season (April-September).

Bikes: Not permitted on the Marginal Way.

Stay on the path: Don’t climb down to the rocks except at designated access points (like Little Beach).

Share the path: It’s narrow in places. Step aside for others, especially those with mobility challenges.

Quiet enjoyment: This is a place for peaceful appreciation. Keep voices and music down.

What to Bring

Layers (ocean breeze can be cool)
Camera or phone (you’ll want pictures)
Sunscreen and sunglasses
Water (no facilities along the path)
Comfortable walking shoes (sneakers fine; no heels)

Combining Marginal Way with Other Activities

A Perfect Ogunquit Morning

Park at the beach (arrive before 10 AM)
Walk the Marginal Way to Perkins Cove (45 minutes)
Explore the cove, watch the drawbridge
Lobster roll lunch at the harbor
Trolley back to the beach
Afternoon on Ogunquit Beach

A Romantic Evening

Late afternoon Marginal Way walk as crowds thin
Sunset views from the benches
Dinner reservation in Perkins Cove
Walk back under the emerging stars (or trolley if tired)

With Kids

Time your visit for low tide
Walk to Little Beach cove
Tide pool exploration
Picnic on the rocks
Ice cream reward in Perkins Cove

The Marginal Way distills the Maine coast experience into a single, accessible walk. No mountain to climb, no trail to navigate—just a path along the edge of the continent where the ocean meets the land. The benches invite you to stop. The views demand attention. And at the end, a fishing harbor with lobster rolls waits.

It’s been a gift to the public for a hundred years. Take your time. Accept the gift.