Hope Cemetery & Woods

In the heart of Kennebunk, as obvious as the branches of its many trees, sits one of the most visible reminders of Kennebunk’s rich history: Hope Cemetery & Woods. A beautiful, peaceful, serene setting for reflection and remembrance of our predecessors, as well as for walking and appreciating nature in all its glory, Hope Cemetery & Woods is so visible, so expected at the corner of Route 1 and Summer Street, that it recedes into invisibility for residents. Yet, it is a crown jewel of the Kennebunks.

Hope Cemetery is the final resting place for persons grand and simple. In the end, all become equal. Together they tell the story of America. Within this 25-acre cemetery you’ll find the history of Kennebunk, as told through the lives of the people who lived it, from the leading lights who achieved great things to the regular folks who raised loving families and embraced daily life.

Here you can stroll through 75 acres containing a wide diversity of beautiful trees, from giant cedars and copper beech trees to a large hemlock grove and towering pines, as well as berry bushes and fields of wild flowers. For generations, joggers and runners from around Kennebunk have used the paths as running trails, families have enjoyed strolls beneath the towering trees in all seasons, and the woods and fields provide wildlife habitat for a variety of animals including deer, turkeys, moose, raccoons, possum, fisher, coyote, hawks, owls, snakes, frogs, salamanders and songbirds.

Including a lush and peaceful trail system, Hope Cemetery & Woods offers a peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of the Route 1 corridor and downtown Kennebunk. Enjoy the trails in all seasons: walk, snowshoe, bike, or even birdwatch. The trails may be accessed at four points: Barnard Lane (through the cemetery), Wood Pond Lane (in the cul de sac), Fletcher Street (across from Mechanic Street), and Woodhaven Drive (near the intersection with Longwood). Signs are located at the trail entrances.