The Marginal Way is a paved, 1.25-mile oceanfront path from Shore Road in Ogunquit village to Perkins Cove. It is mostly flat and usable by wheelchairs and scooters, with some narrow stretches and gentle grades. It is free and open dawn to dusk. There are no restrooms on the path, so use the ones in Perkins Cove or downtown. Park early, or take the seasonal trolley to Perkins Cove, and do an out-and-back from that end.
Ask anyone on the Seacoast for the best short walk in southern Maine and most will say the Marginal Way. It hugs the cliffs above the ocean, with rocky coves and tide pools below. The views are big, the path is short, and it is paved the whole way.
That last part is what makes it special for anyone using a wheelchair, a scooter or a walker. Very few clifftop walks in New England are paved. Here is how to do it well, and where the catches are.
What the Marginal Way is
The Marginal Way is a public footpath along the rocky shore of Ogunquit, Maine. The land was given to the town in 1925, and the path is now looked after with help from the Marginal Way Preservation Fund.
- Length: about 1.25 miles one way, between Shore Road near downtown and Perkins Cove.
- Surface: paved.
- Benches: dozens of memorial benches along the route. The Chamber counts 39.
- Cost: free.
- Hours: open year round with no gates, generally dawn to dusk. There are no lights.
Is the Marginal Way wheelchair accessible?
Mostly, yes, with a few honest caveats.
The Ogunquit Chamber describes the path as mostly flat, making it accessible for strollers and wheelchairs, though some sections may be narrow. Other guides point out that there are some grades along the way, and suggest starting from one of the two ends rather than trying to cover every section.
What works well
GoodPaved the whole way. Lots of benches for rest stops. Short enough to do part of it and turn back. Both ends have restrooms and food nearby.
What to watch for
Plan for itNarrow sections where you may need to wait for people to pass. Some slopes. Summer crowds. No lights, and not maintained in winter, so ice is possible.
Manual wheelchair, power chair or scooter?
- Manual wheelchair: doable with a companion to help on the slopes. Self-propelling the whole route is hard work.
- Mobility scooter: a good fit. A smaller travel scooter is easier to manage in the narrow stretches and in crowds than a large one. Our GoGo travel scooter breaks into pieces that fit in a car trunk, and has a range of about 7.5 miles, more than enough for the round trip. For extra peace of mind, add a spare battery.
- Rollator walker: a rollator with a seat means you can rest anywhere, not just at a bench.
Where to start
For wheelchair users, the most practical starting points are the two ends: Shore Road on the village side, and Perkins Cove at the south end.
Start at Perkins Cove (our pick)
Perkins Cove is a small fishing harbor with shops, restaurants, public restrooms and a trolley stop. Start here, roll north as far as you like, and turn back. You finish where the food and the restrooms are.
Start in the village
Starting from the Shore Road end puts you close to downtown Ogunquit and its lots and meters. It works well if you want to finish with lunch in Perkins Cove and take the trolley back.
Parking
Perkins Cove lot
PaidAt Shore Road and Perkins Cove Road. Paid parking; check the rates posted at the lot. It fills on summer days.
Downtown Ogunquit
Lots and metersPaid parking lots and metered street parking in the village, a short distance from the Shore Road end of the path.
Shore Road street spaces
Very limitedA few spaces along Shore Road. Do not count on them in summer.
Summer tip: arrive before 10am, or after 4pm when day visitors start to leave. Midday on a July weekend, Perkins Cove parking can be full.
The Ogunquit trolley
In season, the Ogunquit trolley loops through town and stops at Perkins Cove. It saves you hunting for parking at the Cove and lets you walk the path one way. Check the current schedule and fares in town, and ask about boarding with a mobility device before you rely on it.
Take a scooter on your Maine day trip
Our GoGo travel scooter comes apart into light pieces that fit in most car trunks. Pick it up at our shop in Hampton Beach in the morning, drive up to Ogunquit, and do the whole Marginal Way without the long walk. $45 a day.
Restrooms and benches
There are no restrooms on the Marginal Way. Use the public restrooms in Perkins Cove, or the facilities in downtown Ogunquit, before you start. Main Beach and Footbridge Beach also have restrooms.
The benches are the path's best feature for anyone who tires easily. They are spread along the whole route, many facing the water, so you can plan short stretches between rest stops.
Best time to go
| When | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Early morning, summer | Quietest path, easiest parking, cool air. The best time with a wheelchair. |
| Midday, summer weekend | Busiest. Narrow sections back up and parking fills. |
| September and October | Fewer people, mild weather, still full services in town. A favourite with locals. |
| Winter | Open, but not maintained. Ice patches make it a poor choice for wheels. |
A day trip from Hampton Beach
Ogunquit is a short drive north of Hampton Beach, over the bridge into Maine. A relaxed plan:
- 9am: pick up a travel scooter or wheelchair at our shop on Ashworth Ave.
- 10am: park at Perkins Cove, use the restroom, and roll north on the Marginal Way.
- 11am: turn back whenever you have had enough, and rest on the benches on the way.
- Noon: lunch in Perkins Cove.
- Afternoon: drive to Ogunquit Main Beach, which has the easiest beach access in town and an accessible viewing area.
Marginal Way, Ogunquit: FAQ
How long is the Marginal Way in Ogunquit?
About 1.25 miles one way, from Shore Road near downtown Ogunquit to Perkins Cove. At a steady pace it takes about 25 to 30 minutes one way, or 45 to 60 minutes if you stop to take in the views.
Is the Marginal Way wheelchair accessible?
Mostly. The path is paved and the Ogunquit Chamber describes it as mostly flat and accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, though some sections are narrow and there are some grades. Many wheelchair users do an out-and-back from one end rather than the whole route.
Where do you park for the Marginal Way?
There is a paid lot at Perkins Cove and paid lots and metered street parking in downtown Ogunquit. Spaces fill on summer days, so arrive early or take the seasonal trolley, which stops at Perkins Cove.
Are there restrooms on the Marginal Way?
No. Use the public restrooms in Perkins Cove or in downtown Ogunquit before you set off.
Is the Marginal Way open in winter?
The path is open year round with no gates, generally from dawn to dusk. It is not maintained in winter and can have icy patches, so it is best for wheelchairs and scooters from late spring to fall.
Are dogs allowed on the Marginal Way?
Sources disagree. The Ogunquit Chamber says dogs are prohibited year round, while other guides say leashed dogs are allowed from October through March. Check the signs at the path before bringing a dog.
Keep planning
Sources
Checked November 11, 2026. Venues and towns change their rules; the official source always wins. Spot something out of date? Let us know.