Cape Elizabeth, Maine. Fort Williams & Robinson Woods

I have lived in Maine my entire 26, almost 27 years of life. I have been going to Fort Williams State Park AKA Portland Head Light since I was born. It became a family tradition very early on to visit Fort Williams with my mom, dad and my little brother, Sean. We would stop at DiPietro’s Market on Cottage Road in South Portland on our way to the park to get the BEST Italian sandwiches I have ever tasted & then a quick stop at The Cookie Jar to get cream horns! A little side note…I still stop at DiPietro’s on my way, but The Cookie Jar was a casualty of a storm in October 2006 that ripped off the roof  & forced the closure of what had become a tradition for many. The bakery will be re-opening this June & I could not be more excited to get my hands on a cream horn once again So despite the lack of the famous cream horns, this adventure still makes for a spectacular afternoon. I have always been fascinated by the huge mansions that line Shore Road on the way to Fort Williams. I always tell myself, “Someday! I will own one of those homes”. & well I will…someday.

Driving up the long road into Fort Williams in anticipation of getting out of the car and trying to eat my Italian sandwich with the wind whipping has always been an enjoyable memory for me. There are several forts on the property that date back to the times when the “Fort” was the headquarters of the Harbor Defenses of Portland During World War II. I have always been fascinated with the history that exists & have found myself often daydreaming about what the property may have looked like way back then. In 1964, the town of Cape Elizabeth purchased the property for $200,000 and after much debate it was named “Fort Williams Park” in 1979 where it has been the host to many picnics, weddings, concerts and family outings over the years. Unfortunately, there has been recent talk about charging an entrance fee/parking fee for any non-residents of Cape Elizabeth to maintain and preserve the park. A vote will take place on June 8th regarding the implementation of such fees. The lighthouse at Fort Williams is considered by many to be one of the most picturesque lighthouses in the United States. This is a wonderful place to bring any visitor or tourist of Maine…I can promise they will not be disappointed & a trip to this park will be an experience any visitor will never forget.

Alrighty…so after you are done seeing all the forts and views at Fort Williams, get in your car & as you get to the entrance of the park, take a left! About a mile down Shore Road on the right hand side of the road is “Robinsons Woods”. You can park in that dirt area that looks like a turn-around of sorts. There is a kiosk at the entrance of the trail to the woods, but I always walk the Outer Loop trail (approx. 1.4 miles) with my dog Harlow (sometimes we walk it twice, just because!) I would NOT suggest bringing a stroller on the trail! Backpack those babies! This is a wonderful walk through 82 acres of woods & among 200 year old trees. The terrain is a little rough, but is said to provide an authentic view of what Cape Elizabeth looked like when the first settlers arrived in Southern Maine. Once you have completed the hike into the woods, and before you get in your car ready to head home, head across the street from the parking area towards Pond Cove. It is a cute little cobble-stoned beach. One unique feature of this small piece of land is the fresh water that flows into the cove that allows more vegetation to survive, which in turn provides forage for many ducks. It is a peaceful end to a beautiful day. Enjoy & tell your friends

Tags: Cape Elizabeth, DiPietros, Fort Williams, Maine, Portland Head Light, Robinsons Woods, Shore Road, The Cookie Jar