Marginal Way

About

Marginal Way is one of New England's most beloved coastal walks, a 1.25-mile paved path that traces the rocky shoreline between Ogunquit Beach and Perkins Cove. It's the kind of place that makes you stop mid-step just to stare at the ocean.

The path follows the edge of dramatic cliffs, with waves crashing against rocks below and wildflowers dotting the grassy slopes in summer. Dedicated benches line the entire route, each one offering a different angle on the Atlantic. Some look out toward open ocean. Others face tidal pools where you can watch crabs and sea stars go about their business.

At the Perkins Cove end, you'll find a working fishing village turned charming destination. Lobster shacks serve some of the freshest rolls in Maine, and small shops sell everything from local art to saltwater taffy. The iconic footbridge - a pedestrian drawbridge that opens for passing boats - is worth the visit on its own.

Cozy cottages and inns dot the area surrounding the walk, many within easy distance of both the trail and Ogunquit's sandy beach. Staying nearby means you can catch the path at different times of day. Early morning brings fog and solitude. Late afternoon paints everything gold. Each visit feels different.

The town of Ogunquit itself is welcoming and walkable, with a free trolley system that runs during summer months connecting the beach, downtown, and Perkins Cove. Restaurants range from casual clam shacks to fine dining, and the Ogunquit Playhouse has been drawing theater lovers since 1933.

Spring and fall are quieter seasons with fewer crowds, though summer brings the warmest weather and fullest town energy. Dogs are welcome on Marginal Way from October through March, making it a great off-season destination for travelers with service animals who prefer less crowded conditions.

Whether you're there for a morning stroll, an afternoon of lobster and shopping, or a full week in a seaside cottage, Marginal Way delivers that rare combination of natural beauty and easy comfort.

Accessibility

Marginal Way is a paved pathway, and multiple sources confirm it is wheelchair and stroller accessible along its 1.25-mile length. The path connects Ogunquit Beach to Perkins Cove, with numerous dedicated benches along the route for resting and enjoying the views.

Parking: There is at least one designated accessible parking space in the paved lot off Cottage Street at the northwest end of the trail. This space is van-accessible with a striped access aisle.

The path surface is paved, though some sections may have uneven spots or slight grades due to the coastal terrain. The route follows clifftops, so portions are exposed to wind and weather. After rain or storms, surfaces may be slippery in spots.

Perkins Cove at the southern end has shops and restaurants, though accessibility of individual businesses varies. The footbridge in Perkins Cove may present challenges for some mobility devices due to its design.

The Ogunquit trolley system, which runs seasonally, connects key areas of town and may offer an alternative to walking the full route in both directions.

For current details about restroom accessibility along the path, sensory accommodations, or specific cottage accessibility features, contact the Ogunquit Chamber of Commerce or individual lodging providers directly. Accessibility conditions can change with weather and seasonal maintenance, so checking ahead of a visit is recommended.

Visit Maine's tourism office highlights the state's commitment to accessible travel experiences, and Marginal Way is consistently listed among Maine's top wheelchair-friendly trails.

More accessible places in Maine

• Southern Maine Beach Towns (Ogunquit)
• Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens (Boothbay)
• Acadia NP & coastal hikes & food scene (Acadia National Park / Bar Harbor)
• Acadia National Park (Bar Harbor)
• Maine Maritime Museum (Bath)
• Portland Museum of Art (Portland)