If you’re spending time in Belfast, Maine, you may have noticed a walking path that winds along the shore of the harbor, right past some of Belfast’s beaches and into its downtown area.
This picturesque walking path is called the Belfast Harborwalk, and it offers walkers, joggers, bikers and their dogs a chance to see all that Belfast has to offer along its .8 mile route.
About The Belfast Harbor Walk
The Belfast Harborwalk starts at the Belfast Armistice Footbridge and runs to the south along the shore of Belfast Harbor, ending at Steamboat Landing Park.
The Harborwalk also runs the full length of the Belfast Armistice Footbridge, which is only open to foot traffic and goes over the Passagassawakeag River to the opposite side where it ends.
The entire one-way length of the Harborwalk is about .8 miles, and it’s level the whole way.
Along the Harborwalk, there’s a chance to see and stop at a number of unique places along the working waterfront.
Feel free to bring your dog along, as they are permitted on the Harborwalk as long as they’re leashed.
What You’ll See Along The Way
The best part of the Harborwalk is the scenery along the way.
Views Of The Harbor & Working Shipyard
The views from both the Armistice Bridge and along the path as you walk south are awesome.
From the bridge, you can look out across the river and into the open waters of Belfast Bay. And you get an excellent view of the harbor and city’s coastline.
There are usually a number of interesting boats and sailing yachts docked in the Harbor as well.
Walking south from the bridge towards downtown, you’ll take the path right through the Front Street Shipyard.
This is a working shipyard, where on certain days you may catch them lowering a boat into the water. Pretty neat, and gives you a taste of the true Maine experience.
Wildlife
From the Armistice Footbridge, you can catch views of a number of different coastal birds.
The eastern side of the bridge spans a tidal flat, where you can see ospreys, gulls, loons and ducks feeding.
Bald eagles tend to nest in nearby trees and can occasionally be spotted from the bridge fishing in the harbor.
Every now and then a harbor seal will also make an appearance.
Bars, Restaurants & Ice Cream
If walking makes you hungry or thirsty, you’re in luck.
The Harborwalk takes you right into downtown Belfast where you can sip on a local beer from one of Belfast’s best bars or have a bite at a number of unique restaurants.
Many of them are just a short walk up Main Street from the Harborwalk, but there are even a few just steps from the path.
Three Tides & Marshall Wharf Brewing Company, Front Street Pub and Nautilus Seafood Bar & Grill offer great beer and food with a view, and are both located just off the Harborwalk.
You can also stop for a cold treat at the Wild Cow Creamery, just off the path as well.
Belfast Beaches
Belfast offers a number of small beaches just off the harbor, a few of which you can see as you walk past on the Harborwalk.
The path also offers places to stop off and walk down to these beaches to explore, and many times you’ll have them mostly to yourself.
City Park & Gardens
Along the Harborwalk, you’ll notice a number of flower gardens off to the side, which really add to the charm of the walk and the city itself.
The path concludes in Heritage Park, one of Belfast’s waterfront public parks that offers a grassy area, picnic tables, restrooms and access points to Heritage Park Beach.
Where To Park
There is a small parking area at the foot of the Armistice Footbridge on the harbor side, where you can park and walk across the bridge or walk south towards downtown Belfast.
About midway through the walk, the path intersects with Main Street takes you into the heart of downtown. There’s a public parking lot at this intersection as well.
And there’s also a small parking area at the southernmost part of Steamboat Landing Park where the Harborwalk ends, for those who want to park and walk it northward.
Final Word
The Belfast Harborwalk is one of the city’s most appealing attributes, giving you a view of a number of Belfast’s unique features along the way while also never losing sight of the amazing views offered as you look out into the river and bay.
You can also make pit stops at some of Belfast’s beaches, restaurants, bars, and shops as you stroll along the path.