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Trails: Picnic spots

Description

If we were going on a picnic, these preserves would be at the top of our list! If you are looking for a picnic table, you will find one or more at the Hilton O’Connor trailhead, and at Plummer Point, Round Top Farm, Salt Bay Farm, and Whaleback Shell Midden State Historic Site. All other preserves listed here offer a sweet bench by the water or a nice flat(ish) rock with a view. See individual trail pages for more details.

Bass Rock Hero

Round Pond

Bass Rock Preserve

A short, easy-to-moderate walk to the shore offers outstanding views of Muscongus Bay toward Friendship and the bay's many islands....
Bristol Recreational Trail Hero

Bristol

Bristol Recreational Trail

An easy-to-moderate trail looping along the tidal Pemaquid River behind Bristol Consolidated School. Highlights include beautiful views with well-placed benches, some fine old red oaks, and bridges over a winding...
Cosima’s Preserve Hero

Bristol

Cosima’s Preserve

This hidden gem has much to offer: a variety of woodland and wetland habitats with good opportunities for viewing wildlife, a quiet woodland trail, a ledge overlooking the Pemaquid River...
Dodge Point woods trail

Newcastle

Dodge Point

A local favorite, with broad vistas of the Damariscotta River and gravelly beaches. Trails include a mix of old farm roads and wooded paths. Coastal Rivers maintains a deep water...

Bremen

Hilton O’Connor Trail

A moderate hike, with an interesting variety of habitats including a winding salt marsh, mature stands of white ash and red oak, verdant fern alleys, and a hay meadow. There's...
Huston Landing Hero

Damariscotta

Huston Landing

A short, gentle hike not far from downtown Damariscotta, Huston Landing offers westerly views over the river – a great spot to watch the sun set or look for waterfowl....
rocky shoreline at La Verna Preserve

Bristol

La Verna Preserve

Pass through mature forest, over Meadow Brook, and along historic stone walls, to almost a mile of breathtaking rocky coastline. This popular preserve offers panoramic views of outer Muscongus Bay...
OsbornFinch hero

Waldoboro

Osborn Finch Wildlife Sanctuary

A short and gentle trail from the parking area to flat-rocked overlooks on the Medomak River makes this an excellent picnic spot and a rewarding walk for all ages....
Pemaquid Pond shoreline

Bremen

Pemaquid Pond Preserve

A gentle forested walk brings you to the shore of Pemaquid Pond, with lovely lake views and flat rocks for picnicking....
Plummer Point Preserve Hero

South Bristol

Plummer Point Preserve

Plummer Point is a local favorite, with its lovely coastal spruce forest and stunning views of the Damariscotta River, Seal Cove, and nearby islands....

Damariscotta

Round Top Farm

Gently mown trails wind through the rolling hayfields of a former dairy farm, with views of the upper Damariscotta River and lovely sunsets. An accessible trail connects to a neighboring...
Rutherford Island Preserve Hero

South Bristol

Rutherford Island Preserve

A fairy-land trail winds among stone walls and coastal spruce. The out-and-back route leads to a rocky outcrop with a bench overlooking the lower Damariscotta River....
trail at Salt Bay Farm

Damariscotta

Salt Bay Farm

A network of gentle trails through rolling hayfields alongside Great Salt Bay make this a beautiful, accessible, and popular destination for walkers, runners, and birders. Please note, dogs must be...
Seal Cove Shore Preserve Hero

South Bristol

Seal Cove Shore Preserve

This magical trail follows a ridge before dropping down to cross primeval wetland to the start of a one-mile loop skirting the west side of Seal Cove....
mossy Stratton Island path

South Bristol

Stratton Island

Coastal Rivers' first and largest island preserve. A lovely loop trail through coastal spruce forest is richly carpeted with moss....

South Bristol

Tracy Shore

Trails wind past vernal pools, cascading streams, and cliffs draped in moss and ferns to arrive at an overlook with sweeping views of Jones Cove and the Damariscotta River.

Owned...
accessible trail at Whaleback Shell Midden

Damariscotta

Whaleback Shell Midden State Historic Site

Wander down to the shore through a historic apple orchard and learn the story of the huge ancient shell heap that once lined the shore. A great spot for a...
Kayakers on the beach at Witch Island

South Bristol

Witch Island

About 1/2 mile from the town landing in the South Bristol Gut, Witch island is a day-use island with its own trail system. The island is a favorite local picnic...