Fodor's Expert Review Giant's Stairs

Near the tip of Bailey Island, a short side road takes you to a parking area and access to a mostly flat, graveled path along the ocean's edge to an intriguing cut in the rocky shoreline. The southern terminus of the trail leads across some rocky ledges. There is additional parking at that end. Known as an intrusive volcanic dike, the vertical rift looks like a staircase built for giants. The views are as compelling as the geology.