765 Acres Of Beach Offering A Unique Experience As The Number One Ranked Surfing Beach In New England
When surfers think of running with their surfboard through the sand, the sun warming their backs and catching the best waves, they usually don't think of Maine, or New England in general. That's where Reid State Park comes in. With 765 acres of beach and a small surfing scene, Reid State Park offers a unique experience as the number one ranked surfing beach in New England.
A mile and a half of sandy beach in Maine is rare. The state is known for its rocky coastlines. Large stretches of sand are rare. This unique natural phenomenon attracts between 120,000 and 125,000 people a year, tourists from all over the world, said Park Manager Samantha Wilkinson.
The rocky coastlines and other topographic features that make Reid State Park different from the beaches in California make the surfing experience challenging for many of the loyal surfers that frequent the park. “My understanding is that it's a challenging place to surf because of how the break is,” explains Wilkinson. A lot of times it's a shore break. But a lot of other times it rolls in beautifully, like something off a post card.”
The best waves, said Wilkinson, are in the wintertime. The chilly weather doesn't draw the same crowds as the summertime but dedicated surfers still brave the frost to catch waves. “You just need a wetsuit and a lot of courage,” said Wilkinson.
A favorite spot at Reid State Park is the top of Griffith Head, a rocky headland overlooking the park, where visitors can see the sweeping seascapes, surfers riding the waves (and crashing) and even see lighthouses in the distance. A few islands are also in view, including Damaris cove, “a thriving fishing community in Colonial times.”
Reid State Park isn't only for surfers, though. The full service park is a beautiful spot. Unlike some tourist spots and boardwalks nearby, Reid State Park is quiet and in a rural community, a “very nice, very real Maine experience.”
Walking trails and scenic picnic sites offer another aspect to the park, making it a popular spot for families and groups of friends. The trails are available all year round for hikers, bikers, ATVs and even snowmobiles. While most of the trails are family friendly, a handful of nearby trails include sections of the Appalachian Trail, which can be a bit more of a challenge.
A popular beach, the location is often used for community activities throughout the year. Maine resident Heidi F left this five-star review of Reid State Park on Trip Advisor: “We went to Reid State Park [in August] for a clam digging experience. We found in the local paper that they were having free clam digging, where you could pick a peck of clams. What a great beach... It was very clean and it was a great day overall.”
Reviews like these do not surprise Wilkinson, who described the park as a place with “a real special vibe, a real family-oriented atmosphere. There's a certain peace about it that's hard to articulate. You kind of have to experience it.” She just finished her 31st year working for the park, but she grew up right in town. According to Wilkinson, Reid State Park was home before she could even spell the word home.
“I grew up a mile down the road,” she said. “I've been exploring here for 50 years. I remember having birthday parties on the beach with my friends.”
After graduating from Southern CT State University with a degree in biology in the 1990s, Wilkinson brought her friends back to Reid State Park and “now they bring their kids up here,” she gushed. “This place has become the backdrop for so many family and friend photos that I don't even have room for them all.”
Olivia Richman
A graduate of East Connecticut State University in Journalism, Olivia has written for Stonebridge Press & Antiques Marketplace among others. She enjoys writing, running and video games.
Make Sure To Stay At:
Augusta/Gardiner KOA, a quiet family friendly park close to the highway and centrally located for your exploration! Their camping rates include complimentary Wi-Fi, mini-golf, shuffleboard and 9 holes of Frisbee Golf.