Rockland: Harbor Trail

The Rockland Harbor Trail stretches from downtown Rockland out to Sandy Beach Park.

Starting at the north end (Harbor Park, Main St & Pub Landing Rd), it begins at the parking lot (free parking, picnic tables) behind the police station, goes past the harbor master's building, and up onto a wide boardwalk.

along the boardwalk

After passing Archer's Restaurant, the trail leads to Sandy Beach Park and South End Beach, a small beach which is a favorite for sea glass collecting as the tide goes out. The term "sandy" is a bit generous, it is more like coarse gravel.

Sandy Beach Park

This is the home of "Ridin' the Rails to Rockland', a 2013 sculpture by Jay Sawyer, comprised of railroad ties welded into a sphere.

Jay Sawyer sculpture

Picnic facilities are at both ends of the trail, however the south end (Sandy Beach Park) is definitely preferable, having parking, a big grassy area, grills, and a beach. The north end of the trail only has picnic tables at the parking lot.

Getting there: 

• North end: Harbor Park (intersection of Main Street and Pub Landing Rd, go down the hill next to the Time Out Pub).
• South end: Sandy Beach Park is on Scott Street.

Cost: Free

Hours: Daylight only

Pets: Pets allowed on leash, but prohibited from beach during summer

Picnic potential: Tables at both ends of trail, grills at south end. 

Rest rooms: Public rest rooms available on Tillson Ave., a short walk from north end of trail. The police station probably has them too, but we have not checked.
Accessibility: Boardwalk and Harbor Trail is fully accessible, wide with access ramp at north end. Beach is only accessible by stairway.