Want to get away but uncertain what there is to do once you get to your destination? The Boothbay Region Land Trust has you covered. There are 35 miles of trails offering space to spread out, fresh air to fill your lungs (and your soul) as you explore, and hours of outdoor activity.
What might you see while visiting the trails on our beautiful peninsula?
- Singing Meadows attracts frogs and toads, insects and birds. All of their sounds blend into a natural symphony. Enjoy a .75-mile loop trail through the 16-acre property.
- Church Property is a favorite place for hikers to park to access the 7-mile moderate River~Link backcountry trail.
- Colby Preserve is a great stop for dogs. Four-legged friends can frolic in the Damariscotta River.
- Ovens Mouth Preserve is actually two peninsulas connected by a 93-foot pedestrian bridge. This area boasts 5 miles of trails where hikers may see eagles, osprey, otters, and deer. Bring a picnic and watch the striking tidal change of the Ovens Mouth passage.
- Featuring 208 acres, Zak Preserve is the largest BRLT property. This site is especially important for nesting birds.
- Migratory shorebirds feed on clams, crabs, and lobster larvae in the tidal flats of Cross River Preserve. This land also boasts large diameter Red Oak and White Pine trees.
- Schoolhouse Pond houses an easy 1.2-mile loop trail featuring interesting rock formations and an old stone boundary wall.
- Saunders Preserve offers a trail through evergreen and hardwood trees along the Kelly Brook.
- Porter Preserve boasts panoramic views from the shoreline and a quiet cove with a small beach. Stop at the scenic overlooks to check for sunbathing seals. This is also home to a working waterfront named Roberts Wharf.
- Extensive views of the bridge connecting Boothbay to Barters Island can be seen along the Gregory Trail. The small pond is often surrounded by colorful wildflowers.
- Easily accessed by kayak or canoe, Spectacle Island is actually two islets connected by a rocky beach at low tide. The sheltered campsite is available on a first come, first serve basis.
- Indiantown Island Preserve is only accessibly via boat. BRLT maintains a mooring and a small dock. The island is home to herons, ospreys, eagles, and owls.
- Oak Point Farm serves as the headquarters for the Boothbay Region Land Trust. This facility is closed to the public during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Hendricks Head Hiking Trail offers access to Hendricks Head Public Beach and views of Hendricks Head Lighthouse. Dogs are permitted along this trail.
- Pine Tree Preserve features trails that are suitable for mountain bikes.
- Lobster Cove Meadow is the place to go for butterflies that are attracted to the wildflowers from spring until fall.
- Highlights along the trails of the Linekin and Burley Preserves include a lily pond and an old beaver dam.
- Penny Lake Preserve features a half-mile universal-access trail that is accessible by wheelchairs and strollers.
- Ocean Point Preserve is popular with birdwatchers looking for wading birds along Tibbetts Pond.
- Liniken Preserve is always near and dear to us as it is just down the street from the inn. With over 3 miles of trails it offers plenty of exercise. The trails wind through an old pine forest, by a beaver pond and end up on s series of rock ledges looking out over the Damariscotta River as it opens into the ocean.
For 40 years, this nationally accredited and nonprofit organization has strived to fulfill its mission “to conserve for the public benefit the natural habitat, scenic beauty and working land of the Boothbay region.” That public benefit is available to you for free. That’s right! The BRLT trails are open to the public, year-round, free of charge.
