Giant's Stairs on Bailey Island, Maine
Created by CreativeMarketingAndLearning.com, this video is part of the When in Maine, See This series. These short videos feature free or inexpensive things to do and see in the great State of Maine.
Script:
The Giant’s Stairs is located on Bailey Island, which is just about an hour form Portland. Just go to Brunswick, Cooks Corner, then follow Route 24. It will take you right to Bailey Island. Once on the island, look for Washington Avenue on your left. About a mile down on Washington Avenue, you’ll see the Episcopal Church, which is where you want to park. Of course, the only time you can’t park at the church is on Sunday mornings, so you may want to keep that in mind when you plan your trip.
At the church, look for this sign and walk down this road. There is a little area at the end of the road for loading and unloading, but it’s not very big. It might hold one car, but it will be a tight squeeze to turn any vehicle around here. If you happen to be riding a bicycle, just beyond this is a metal bicycle rack where you can lock up your bike.
The trail is a nice, gravel path; about ¼ mile long. It runs between the ocean and some beautiful private homes. Please be respectful of people’s private property.
I took my time walking the trail, as there’s lots to see along the way. Here are some random shots of the rocks and the water.
I love these flowers. They have several names, including Touch-me-not, Jewelweed and Snapweed. When their seed pods are ripe, all you have to do is lightly touch them and they explode. They have this little spiral vine inside the pod that seems to act as a spring, and it uncoils and blows the seeds all around. It’s very cool.
I think this is Swamp Dewberry, which is native to Maine. It’s mixed in with Rugosa Rose or Salt Spray Rose, which is not native. It actually came from Europe in the mid 19th century. Here’s a rose hip, which is used to make rose hip jam, jelly, teas, oils, wine….you name it. There seem to be a ton of recipes for rose hips. Although they aren’t native, they sure seem to grow like crazy around here.
Okay…here we are…the star attraction. Here’s the plaque at the head of the Giants Stairs. Here’s a short video and some pictures of the rocks.
You may want bring a chair and a good book and spend a little time here. Between the scenery and the roar of the ocean, it won’t take long to unwind at the Giant’s Stairs Trail on Bailey Island.
Bailey Island, Maine
Sold Bailey Island captures the hearts and minds of all who visit it. What makes this small island such a treasure? It could be the island's incredible natural beauty, access to the water or the strong sense of community. Real estate on the island has only increased in popularity. It was said that when Elroy Johnson (the model used for the state to Maine fishermen found on the tip of Bailey Island, in Portland and in Washington DC) went to borrow $500 from the bank, he was asked for collateral. He offered his house on Bailey Island. The banker was quick to tell him that the entire island wouldn't be worth $500.
In 2012, five properties were sold on Bailey island with an average sale price of $276k. In 2013, eleven sales averaged $545k. In 2014, ten sales came in at an astounding average of $716k. Over the past few years there have been sales ranging from $51k to $1.9 million dollars, so it is hard to estimate an exact value. During the past year, eleven property listings on the island have expired or been withdrawn, so not everything is selling at the rate sellers expect.
Whatever the price, Bailey Island is still a very special place for those who have a slice of it to enjoy!
Roxanne York (Bailey Island Realtor.)
Spruce Head Island, Maine, a sweeping panoramic.
Shot on 7/30/2011. The site of our family's summer vacation. Started going there in the early 60's. My memories will always shine as Spruce Head offered so much adventure. The adventure of fishing from the island bait shack floating dock, of digging in the mud flats at low tide, of picnics on the nearby islands, of canoeing in the harbor, of learning about the mysteries of the bay and ocean and of learning how to appreciate this planet.