The 0.4-mile spur trail beginning at the trailhead by Mexicali Blues is about 3′ wide and smooth-surfaced, climbing gently uphill toward the north end of the Blue Trail. The north end of the Blue Trail under the power lines is rocky and uneven underfoot in places. The rest of the Blue Trail and the Orange and Yellow connectors are mostly level and smooth with some gentle changes in elevation. The White Trail along the edge of the bog is narrower, with some rocks, roots, and bog bridges to navigate.
The original 54-acre property at Marsh River Bog was purchased by Damariscotta River Association in 2004. 19 Acres were added in 2025, purchased from neighbors Amanda and Sean Penny. At about the same time, Mexicali Blues offered Coastal Rivers a $45,000 grant to relocate the parking area and trailhead at their Newcastle store, and to construct a spur trail connecting to the top of the Blue Trail. Mexicali also granted a permanent right of way for the parking area and spur trail on their property.
The bog contains interesting interesting plants – things that thrive in this wet, acidic, and low-nutrient environment such as wild cranberries and pitcher plants. If there’s a good freeze in the winter and the ice is very solid, it’s worth a (very cautious) walk out to the “island” in the center of the bog to see what’s growing there. Elsewhere in the preserve, in addition to a very pleasant walk in the woods, you might find wild blueberries, bunchberry, wood anenome, a mix of fern varieties, and other low-growing blooms.
The preserve trailhead is located behind Mexicali Blues’ flagship store at 565 US Route 1 in Newcastle. Turn in between Mexicali Blues and Mike’s Place and park behind Mexicali Blues.
