The Cliff Walk is temporarily closed due to weather and maintenance concerns. Thank you.

PNIA

The Cliff Walk, also known as Marginal Way, is a seaside walk around the  ocean perimeter of Prouts Neck, Maine.  It is approximately 1.1 miles long and is a 45 minute walk one way, or 90 minutes roundtrip. Visitors are welcome to enjoy the Cliff Walk during daylight hours and in accordance with the Rules and Regulations provided below.  The Cliff Walk is subject to closure without notice for weather, trail conditions, maintenance and/or other management needs.

 

HISTORY

The Cliff Walk was originally laid out in the late 1800s by the residents of Prouts Neck, together with the other private lanes, for Prouts Neck residents’ use. For many years it was maintained by volunteers from the Prouts Neck community, and more recently by the Prouts Neck Improvement Association.

 

RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR ACCESS

The Cliff Walk is accessed at the end of Black Point Road (State Route 207), at Checkley Point at Prouts Neck, both for arriving and then departing after your walk.  There is a narrow marked path to the Cliff Walk to the right of the gates to the private Winslow Homer Road, between two private residences. Visitors by car may park at the lot at Scarborough Beach State Park on Black Point Road or the Town of Scarborough’s Ferry Beach lot on Ferry Road, and then walk up the paved state road.

PLEASE NOTE: There is no parking of any kind at the start of the Cliff Walk and it is approximately a two mile walk from either parking lot to Checkley Point.  No unattended bicycles are permitted at the Cliff Walk access.  

Due to the fragile nature of the resource and to ensure the future sustainability of the small path, group size must be 6 people or less, and large organized tours or groups are not permitted.

At half tide or lower, access to and from the north eastern terminus of the Cliff Walk may be possible via Scarborough Beach and up and down over the rocks, but that access can be particularly dangerous and is tidal-dependent, so it is not recommended.

Other important rules and regulations:

  • Use is at your own risk

  • Open dawn to dusk

  • Closed periodically, without prior notice, for maintenance, weather, trail conditions and/or other management needs

  • No smoking or fires

  • Leashed dogs only - please pick up after them

  • Please leave no trace and take all trash with you

  • No bikes or wheeled vehicles are allowed on the Cliff Walk. No unattended bikes are to be left by the entrance area.

  • Stay on the path and respect private property and private roads at all times

Expanded Map - Cliff Walk copy.png

DANGERS: ASSUMPTION OF RISK

The Cliff Walk is NOT a manicured or flat path. It is a largely natural, narrow trail along the edge of rocky cliffs and the ocean, over sharp rocks, and across pebble beaches. Rough terrain, loose rocks, erosion, and other dangerous conditions are present and may cause serious injuries or death. Weather conditions may make it slippery and wet, and/or cause additional dangerous conditions and the possibility of injury or death. Some sections require climbing up and down over irregular terrain. It can be quite dangerous walking, especially for young children and persons with mobility issues. Walkers, strollers, bicycles, or other mechanical conveyances are not possible or permitted. Users assume all risks associated with their presence on the Cliff Walk.

SPECIAL COVID REGULATIONS

Please follow all public health requirements and guidelines.

PRIVATE PROPERTY

All visitors are asked to respect the private homes, roads, and spaces which adjoin the Cliff Walk—please stay on the path and do not go onto adjacent properties. Seal Rock Drive from Black Point Road to the Pumphouse is a private road—please do not trespass on that road, or any other private roads.

TODAY

Heavy foot traffic in recent years has worn the path down in numerous places and is jeopardizing the safety and stability of the Cliff Walk.  Rising ocean levels are also a concern and have led to further erosion.  There are several areas of the Cliff Walk that are in danger of falling into the ocean. Please take great care when traversing it.

Please adhere to these policies and help us take care of this beautiful area so that the Cliff Walk can continue to be enjoyed into the future by those who love it.  Thank you.

Prouts Neck Improvement Association

2022