Though not very long, this is one of our more challenging trails in terms of grade. There are frequent ups and downs on the Shore Loop, including a significantly steep descent and ascent to the shore and back. These climbs might be particularly challenging in winter. The Inner Loop trail offers an easier option, cutting across the ridge at a higher elevation. The trail surface includes some rocks and roots. A bench overlooks Johns Bay and Witch Island by the shore.
Library Park’s 16 acres of mossy, forested shorefront land slope steeply toward John’s Bay and afford excellent views of the bay and Witch Island. The original preserve was made of two parcels donated by Jane Sewall, who also donated the site of the adjoining library to the town, and was later enlarged with the help of Randy Phelps and Pamela Daley.
To complete the loop back to the library, a generous family to the south of the preserve has allowed Coastal Rivers to use a trail they had constructed many years earlier. Please do not head further south onto this kind neighbor’s property. Walkers can go further north, however, connecting to the Town of South Bristol’s Tracy Shore Preserve on a link trail constructed by Coastal Rivers (formerly DRA) in 2004.
The magical moss beds, granite, and alleys of fern are typical of our coastal spruce forests, shaped in part by proximity to the estuary.
Library Park is located just off of Route 129 in South Bristol, 12 or so miles south of Damariscotta and a little over a ½ mile north of The Gut. Park at Rutherford Library. Head back behind the Library, follow the broad trail, and take a right toward the shore after about 100 yards.
