Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park a sanctuary from Freeport’s outlet stores

Posted Oct. 25, 2012, at 10:35 a.m.

Trees frame a visitor at dusk at Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park in Freeport.

The first light of dawn silhouettes Googins Island at Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park in Freeport. Each year ospreys raise their young on the protected island.

Robert F. Bukaty | BDN

A young white pine grows from a ledge over looking the Harraseeket River at sunset at Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park in Freeport.

Robert F. Bukaty | BDN

A jogger's headlamp marks his route on a public road that winds through the pine forest at Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park in Freeport.

Robert F. Bukaty | BDN

Rocks reflect in the still water at sunrise at Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park in Freeport.

Robert F. Bukaty | BDN

Early morning light colors the southern sky at Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park in Freeport.

Robert F. Bukaty | BDN

A rock formation overlooks Casco Bay at Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park in Freeport.

Robert F. Bukaty | BDN

A gaggle of Canada geese fly over Googins Island at Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park in Freeport.

Robert F. Bukaty | BDN

Honking Canada geese lead the way as their their southward migration takes them over Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park in Freeport.

Robert F. Bukaty | BDN

A chipmunk chews an acorn at Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park in Freeport.

Robert F. Bukaty | BDN

An old carving is seen on birch tree at Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park in Freeport.

Robert F. Bukaty | BDN

Sunlight shines through Amercian beech leaves at Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park in Freeport.

FREEPORT, Maine — As the first light of dawn begins to color the eastern sky, a long line of honking Canada geese briefly interrupts the morning’s tranquility. Their route south takes them directly over Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park, 233-acre wooded sanctuary located just a ten-minute drive from Maine’s shopping Mecca.

A network of easy hiking trails wind through the tall pines and hemlocks, leading to views of Casco Bay to the east and Haraseeket River to the west. Aside from the occasional scolding from the resident chipmunks and red squirrels, it’s hard to find a more peaceful walk in the woods.