All trails start from a gravel access road (difficulty level: green) off of Route 129 that runs down the center of the point and offers easy access to the shore. The access road (approx. 3/4 mile) is a typical winding Maine gravel road with some gentle hills, and connects to a broad wooded trail at the tip of the preserve that slopes down to the shore and dock area.
The orange blazed shore trail (difficulty level: black) is quite steep in spots and requires sure-footedness and balance. All other trails (difficulty level: blue to black) are narrow and winding, steep in spots, with uneven footing over rocks and roots, particularly along the shore.
The preserve consists of approximately 85 acres of wooded land with over a mile of shoreline along the Damariscotta River, with rocky points, quarries, and views of both Seal Cove and Long Cove. Damariscotta River Association, now Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust, acquired the original 71-acre property in 1991. A 2022 fundraising campaign allowed for purchase of the point’s 14-acre tip from the Ulin and Richardson families, uniting the entire peninsula under the land trust’s care.
Plummer Point offers a choice of wooded paths through coastal spruce forest, with ever-changing views out over the Damariscotta River. A disused rock quarry attests to past commercial activity here. Hear the delightful songs of woodland birds such as winter wren and hermit thrush. Seals can often be seen basking on the ledge just northeast of the point that is exposed at low tide. The shoreline near the dock is gradual and ideal for exploring or for landing small boats.
The trailhead is located at 1695 State Route 129 in South Bristol. From US 1 in Damariscotta, head south on ME 129 for 10.8 miles. The preserve is a mile north of the S Road on the right and is marked with a green Coastal Rivers sign (Alice Norwood Road is north of the preserve entrance and Pine Bluff Lane is south of the preserve). Park in the bump-out next to the road, taking care not to block the driveway. Proceed up Plummer Point Road to access the trails.
