The trails at Bass Rock are relatively short and flat with little elevation gain. The paths are narrow with a few roots and rocks to step over or around, and a couple bog bridges over streams or wet areas.
A short, fern-lined trail leads from the road to the shore, where it splits in two. A yellow-blazed trail leads to a rocky beach to the right, while the green-blazed trail follows the shore to the left and then loops around back to the main trail. Straight ahead from the trail junction is a large, smooth and rounded rock shaded by oaks, with lovely views east across Muscongus Sound – a great spot for a picnic!
Pemaquid Watershed Association accepted the formal transfer of the 10-acre preserve from The Nature Conservancy (TNC) in 2009. The preserve was originally donated to TNC in 1973 by Bryan and Elfrida Holme.
On either side of the cove, visitors can look out on Muscongus Bay toward Friendship from the wide expanses of exposed ledge. Toward the north end of the green trail is a very interesting geologic feature: a perfectly round hole in the rock, about 2-3 feet across and 3-4 feet deep.
The trailhead is located at 235 Back Shore Rd in Round Pond. Take Route 32 to Round Pond. At the Granite Hall Store, take the north fork (to the left of the store), which is Back Shore Road. The preserve is about 1.1 miles on the right. The trail head starts at the kiosk.
