Continuing in our Cape Elizabeth Land Trust trail explorations, Lori and I went to the Town Center/ Gull Crest Trails, located in and around the Spurwink Marsh. They have recently been under renovation. Most notably a new boardwalk and bridge have been added to connect the trails on either side of the marsh. To access the trails, we chose the entrance at the back of the Cape Elizabeth High School football field.
At first the trail took us through an area of tall grasses, wildflowers, and small berry-filled trees. We spent a good amount of time taking pictures of it all which will be posted later. For today, it’s all about the boardwalk which was by far the most stunning part of the walk (in my opinion). There was something really cool about walking across the marsh at the level of the cattail plumes.
Town Center/Gull Crest Trail
Here is a portion of what the CELT web site says about the Town Center/Gull Crest Trails:
Combined Length: 1.6 miles
Gull Crest and Town Center Trails in Cape Elizabeth Maine
Description: This level and easy to follow trail provides wonderful views of the Spurwink Marsh through open fields with scattered oak groves and long abandoned crabapple and apple trees. Pheasant, herons, owls and hawks are often seen along this trail. A recently constructed bridge now connects this property with the town-owned Gull Crest trail system. In the spring of 2004, the entire 8th grade class chipped in to complete the new Willow Brook trail providing a pleasant half-mile loop off the Town Center Trail.
Access: The Gull Crest Trails are located behind the playing fields off of Spurwink Ave. past the transfer station adjacent to the playing fields. Access the Town Center trail from behind the Cape Elizabeth High School to the south of the field hockey fields or immediately south of Starboard Drive on Spurwink Avenue.
(From Cape Elizabeth Land Trust Trails Page.)
Beautiful!!! I need to get out there someday. Looks like tons of photo ops!
I’ve done a couple of these boardwalk hikes in south Florida. They lull you into a sense of security, and then a gator appears. I like your shots of the reeds, great textures.