Wells Reserve at Laudholm, Wells ME

• 4-star hike
• 2 mile part-loop
• Easy | Gain 70 feet
• Wells, ME | Maine
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A scenic outdoor view of wetlands at the Wells Preserve at Laudholm, showcasing a serene blue body of water under a bright blue sky filled with scattered white clouds. In the foreground, tall golden grasses and reeds sway gently in the breeze. Across the water, distant banks feature a dense line of trees displaying early autumn foliage with touches of red, orange, and green, creating a peaceful and vibrant New England landscape.

Wetlands at the Wells Preserve at Laudholm.

The Wells Reserve at Laudholm is a National Estuarine Research Reserve on the southern Maine coast, headquartered at historic Laudholm Farm. Reserve staff maintain the trails, boardwalks, and buildings. They also manage the surrounding woodlands, wetlands, dunes, and grasslands, and they run educational and research programs. Note that dogs and bicycles are not permitted on the property.

The partial loop we walked connects the Farley Trail, the Laird-Norton Trail, and the Barrier Beach Trail. Together, they cross a diverse landscape, including mature forests, open fields, brushy edges, an old orchard, salt marshes, an estuary shoreline, and a cobble and sand beach backed by dunes.

Trail Options Expand KMZ · Google Earth ·

⬤ 4★ Farley, Laird-Norton, Beach Loop 2.0 mi part-loop, easy, gain 70 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions GPX?

$ Per person entry fee

The Farley Trail passes through deep woods with boardwalk sections, as well as open fields and brushy edges. It features small overlooks with views of the Little River estuary, including one with a dock used for the reserve’s kayak tours and field trip programs. The short Saw-whet Trail connects the parking area to the Farley Trail, winding past mature conifers, hardwoods, and the Forest Learning Shelter. Nearby, the Cart Path is a wide track linking the farm campus to the estuary. It offers field views and glimpses of historic farm buildings.

The Laird-Norton Trail crosses meadows before continuing as a boardwalk through forested lowlands, passing over both dry and wet ground with a dense understory. It leads toward the Laird-Norton Overlook, a wooden deck at the edge of the salt marsh overlooking the mouth of the Little River and the barrier dune backing Laudholm Beach. Although the overlook was closed during our visit, we were able to enjoy alternative estuary views along the Farley Trail instead.

A tranquil view along the Laird Norton Boardwalk Trail at Wells Preserve, featuring a wooden boardwalk winding through a sunlit forest. Slender tree trunks line the path, their branches covered in vibrant green and autumn-colored leaves that filter soft sunlight onto the pathway below. Golden and rust-colored ferns blanket the rich forest floor alongside fallen leaves, highlighting a peaceful woodland scene during the fall season.

The Laird Norton Boardwalk Trail

The Barrier Beach Trail is a wide path that leads past the marsh and through an old orchard to Laudholm Beach, where you will find cobble, sand, exposed peat, and tide pools. Visiting at low tide offers the most room to walk, whereas high tide leaves very little beach area remaining.

The campus buildings are well worth exploring before or after your hike. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the historic Laudholm Farm campus features a farmhouse that houses the Visitor Center, interactive exhibits, and a gift shop. Nearby, the Maine Coastal Ecology Center includes an art gallery. Restrooms are available, and visitors can also see the Alheim Commons and the Portal sculpture on the grounds. Because hours for the Visitor Center and gallery are limited, be sure to check the reserve’s website before planning your trip around them.

An elevated outdoor perspective showing expansive views of the Little River Estuary from a wooden viewing platform. In the foreground, a weathered wooden railing holds two educational display panels with text and diagrams about local wildlife and the salt marsh ecosystem. Beyond the platform, a winding tidal river snakes through golden-brown salt marshes, framed by surrounding trees and a clear blue sky with fluffy white clouds.

Little River Estuary viewed from Farley Trail overlook.

Admission is charged per person, which can add up quickly for larger groups, though the fee is understandable given the beach’s popularity and the lack of similar public options in the area. During peak season, an attendant collects admission at the entry booth. In the off-season, visitors are asked to pay electronically via QR code or place payment in the donation slot. Admission covers parking, entry to the Visitor Center, restrooms, trail access, and beach access.

Our driving directions link should guide you directly to the reserve's main public parking lot. However, some GPS apps occasionally direct drivers to the service entrance instead. Once you are on Laudholm Farm Road, turn left onto Skinner Mill Road, then take a right into the reserve. Avoid continuing to the end of Laudholm Farm Road, as you will run out of access and have to turn around.