The trails at Tracy Shore feature a lot of ups and downs, with occasional roots, rocks, and bog bridges underfoot to navigate. There are several steeper areas that require some exertion. Benches here and there offer places to rest and enjoy the view. Caution: There is a steep drop-off at Garber Overlook.
Tracy Shore is a property of the Town of South Bristol along the eastern shore of Jones Cove on the Damariscotta River. A well-marked system of trails winds along the shore and through the forest. At the furthest end of the orange loop is a short spur trail to a high overlook with breathtaking views of the cove and river. Much of the viewshed is protected by conservation easements donated to the DRA by preservation-minded neighbors.
Mr. and Dr. Tracy donated the land to The Nature Conservancy which later passed it on to the town. Dr. Tracy was a prominent pediatrician and her husband, Dwight Tracy, an avid naturalist. The Link Trail to Library Park follows the route that the Tracy’s daughter once walked to school to avoid the road. Coastal Rivers maintains the trails for the town.
Tracy Shore is rife with hobblebush, which has clusters of creamy blossoms in spring and bright red berries in fall. In spring, you’ll also find ephemeral flowers like blue bead lily and trout lily. Large glacial erratics and rock outcroppings make for a dramatic landscape, and spruce, balsam, ferns and moss add year-round color to this beautiful coastal property. A vernal pool is habitat for wood frogs, spring peepers and salamanders in spring and early summer.
Tracy Shore is located on the west side of Route 129 in South Bristol, about 11 miles south of Damariscotta or 1.5 miles north of The Gut. Enter off of the S Road about 20 feet from 129.
