A Hidden Beach in Cumberland Foreside
Most people driving Route 88 through Cumberland Foreside have no idea there is a beach just off the road. Broad Cove Reserve is a 23-acre town-owned property that slopes from the road down to a quiet stretch of Casco Bay shoreline. It includes a small beach, a pier, walking trails through coastal woods, and views across the bay to the islands. It is one of the least-known beach access points near Portland.
The reserve sits on the east side of Route 88, near the intersection with Tuttle Road. A driveway leads down Beach Drive to a parking area, and from there it is a short walk to the water. The beach is a mix of sand, gravel, and rocky shore, protected from open ocean waves by the islands of Casco Bay. The water is calm, shallow at the edges, and suitable for wading, swimming on warm days, and launching kayaks or small boats.
Cumberland Foreside is a residential area about 20 minutes north of Portland. The reserve feels like a well-kept secret shared among locals. Even on summer weekends, it rarely gets crowded.
The Beach
The beach at Broad Cove is small and sheltered. It faces east into Casco Bay, with views of Chebeague Island and the other bay islands, a vista that pairs nicely with a compact pair of binoculars for watching lobster boats and seabirds offshore. The shoreline is a mix of sand patches, smooth pebbles, and exposed rock. At low tide, the beach widens and tide pools appear along the rocky edges.
The water is calm. Casco Bay is protected from the open Atlantic by its many islands, and Broad Cove is further sheltered by the shape of the shoreline. This makes it a good spot for families with young children who want calm water without the crowds of the bigger southern Maine beaches.
Bring a kayak or paddleboard. The calm waters of Broad Cove are ideal for launching, and you can paddle out into Casco Bay to explore the nearby islands. If you are still building out your kayaking setup, this sheltered cove is a forgiving place to put in. The pier also provides easy water access for boats.
A town pier extends from the shoreline, providing additional water access and a place to sit and watch the bay. Lobster boats work the waters offshore, and sailboats pass through on summer afternoons.
Trails
The reserve has walking trails that loop through the 23-acre property. The Stonewall Trail and Spears Hill Trail wind through coastal woods of oak, pine, and spruce, following old stone walls that mark former property boundaries. The trails are easy, mostly flat with a gentle descent to the water, and total about 0.8 miles.
The woodland is pleasant in every season. Wildflowers bloom in spring, the canopy shades the paths in summer, and fall color is excellent on the hardwoods. In winter, the trails are used for snowshoeing when conditions allow.
Walk the Spears Hill Trail down to the water rather than taking the road. The trail passes through quiet woods and delivers you to the shore with a sense of discovery. It is only slightly longer than the road and much more pleasant.
Parking and Access
The parking lot is on Beach Drive, just off Route 88. There are two areas: an upper lot open to everyone, and a lower lot closer to the water reserved for Cumberland residents with a town parking sticker. Residents can get stickers at Cumberland Town Hall.
Non-residents park in the upper lot and walk down to the beach. The walk is short, about five minutes downhill.
The reserve is open year-round. Hours are 6 AM to 9 PM from May through October, and 6 AM to 6 PM from November through April. A park ranger is on-site during summer months when staffing allows, typically 10 AM to 6 PM.
Dogs are not permitted on the beach at Broad Cove Reserve. Dogs on leash are allowed on the trails, but must stay off the beach itself due to the proximity to sensitive marine habitats. Pick up after your dog.
Facilities
The reserve has a portable restroom near the parking area, available during the warmer months. There are no other facilities, no picnic tables, no grills, no lifeguard. Bring what you need and carry out your trash.
When to Go
Spring
Trails open and pleasant. Water too cold for swimming. Wildflowers on the Stonewall Trail.
Summer
Warm enough for swimming and kayaking. Calm water. Reserve is open until 9 PM.
Fall
Fall color in the coastal woods. Fewer visitors. Water still swimmable into September.
Winter
Trails accessible for walking and snowshoeing. Reserve closes at 6 PM. Quiet and scenic.
Broad Cove Reserve Essentials
- Swimsuit and towel (summer)
- Water shoes (rocky shoreline)
- Kayak or paddleboard (calm launch)
- Sunscreen
- Water and snacks (no vendors)
- Camera (bay and island views)
- Parking sticker if Cumberland resident
Getting There
From Portland, take Route 1 North to Route 88 (Foreside Road) through Falmouth into Cumberland Foreside. Turn right onto Beach Drive near the intersection with Tuttle Road. The parking area is a short distance down Beach Drive. The drive from Portland is about 20 minutes.
From Bangor, take I-95 South to Exit 53 (West Falmouth), then Route 88 South into Cumberland Foreside. About two hours and 25 minutes.
FAQ
Is Broad Cove Reserve open to non-residents?
Yes. The beach, pier, and trails are open to the public. Non-residents must park in the upper lot. Cumberland residents with a town parking sticker can park in the lower lot closer to the water.
Can you swim at Broad Cove Reserve?
Yes. The calm, sheltered waters of Casco Bay make this a suitable swimming spot on warm days. The water is warmer than the open ocean but still cool by southern standards.
Are dogs allowed at Broad Cove Reserve?
Dogs on leash are allowed on the trails but are not permitted on the beach. This is to protect the sensitive marine habitat along the shoreline.
Is there a fee to visit Broad Cove Reserve?
No entrance fee. Parking is free in both the upper and lower lots, though the lower lot requires a Cumberland resident parking sticker.
Can you launch a kayak at Broad Cove?
Yes. The calm water and pier make this a good launch spot for kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards. You can paddle out into Casco Bay from here.
