Limitless Adventure: Odiorne Point State Park
What’s up, everybody? My name is Ian, and this is Limitless Adventure!
We’re here at Odiorne Point State Park to ride around and check out some of the natural and man-made features. Later on, we’ll stop in for a visit at the Seacoast Science Center.
To start out, we’re taking the bike path all the way up to the boat launch at the north end of the park. From the boat launch, we turned onto Sagamore Trail, which closely follows the shoreline and gives some great views of Little Harbor. This side of the park has some great secluded beaches and rocky tide pools to explore.
At Frost Point, we hopped off the bikes to walk out on this breakwater for some killer views of Fort Stark. From Frost Point, we rode inland to check out Battery Seaman. These bunkers were built during World War II as part of the coastal defense system protecting Portsmouth Harbor.
From Battery Seaman, we rode over to Columbus Road. This trail is framed by stone walls that date back to the families who lived here prior to the war. At the end of Columbus Road is the Settlers Monument, another great place to sit and take in some beautiful ocean views.
Scattered throughout the park are other reminders of Odiorne’s long history, like this ornate stone fountain that sits alone in the woods. After riding around the park for a little bit, we made our way back to the day-use area to drop into the Seacoast Science Center.
Here, you can get up close and personal with some of the fascinating creatures that live just outside, and learn about whales and other marine mammals of the Gulf of Maine, as well as how scientists are exploring the depths of the ocean. The Science Center offers interpretive programs great for all ages. And don’t forget—while you’re here, look up and check out the skeletal remains of Tofu, the juvenile humpback whale.
Back outside at the day-use area, there’s a playground, plenty of picnic tables, and a great big open grassy space that would be perfect for a family gathering. This park is one of my favorite spots for outdoor recreation on the Seacoast. Not only is it beautiful, but it also has a rich social history and offers a hands-on learning experience.
Until next time, I’m Ian, and this is Limitless Adventure.
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