Parts of the trail are along a broad woods track, fairly smooth underfoot. Other parts are narrower, with some bog bridges and roots and rocks to navigate. Moderate changes in elevation. The white spur trail passes through an area that can be wet at certain times of year.
The trailhead is located about 0.1 miles down Castaway Cove Road from the parking area, on the other side of a private driveway. From the trailhead, the blue trail descends about 0.2 miles through forested woodlands where it splits in two to form a loop that extends to the scenic shore of Pemaquid Pond. A white blazed spur trail leads to the shore near Doyle Finnegan Island, a privately owned island protected by a conservation easement that allows public access.
Doyle Preserve was a gift from the Doyle-Finnegan family to Pemaquid Watershed Association (now part of Coastal Rivers) in 1994.
Along the trail are some impressive glacial erratics adorned with rock tripe. There are lovely views at the shore and a variety of flowering aquatic plants in summer. The forested woodland provides habitat for a variety of wildlife, such as pileated woodpeckers, red fox, deer, and red squirrels.
From Damariscotta, take Biscay Road (intersects with Bus. Rte 1 at McDonald’s) 2 miles and turn left onto Egypt Road. Travel 1.7 miles and turn right onto Castaway Cove Road. Preserve parking area is 0.1-mile down on the right. Walk on Castaway Cove Road another 0.1 mile to the trailhead on the right.
