During our visit to Maine, we were keen to explore the forests as well as the waterways. Opportunities abound! We accomplished both through offerings from the Boothbay Region Land Trust and the Spruce Point Inn.
Boothbay Region Land Trust (BRLT) is a nationally accredited, nonprofit land conservation organization with the mission to conserve for the public benefit the natural habitat, scenic beauty and working land of the Boothbay region. This membership-supported organization provides free public access to nature preserves across the peninsula with over 30 miles of hiking trails. BRLT also hosts over 100 free educational events annually to connect people of all ages to the land.
We joined a guided hike on Tuesday morning, led by skilled naturalist Tracey Hall. The meeting point, Ocean Point Preserve, was a short drive from Boothbay Harbor port. Our hour together was moderately paced, incredibly scenic and richly informative.
Located in the largest wetland area on Linekin Neck in East Boothbay, the 15-acre Ocean Point Preserve includes two easy hiking trails: the white-blazed loop trail named the “Norman Van Horn Trail” (approximately 0.9 miles) and the blue-blazed, “Golden Crowned Kinglet Trail” (approximately 0.2 miles) leading to a wonderful wetland viewing location.
The Preserve includes Tibbetts pond, designated by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife as significant waterfowl wildlife habitat for inland waterfowl and wading birds. This is a popular recreational area for bird watchers in the warmer months, and ice-skaters during winter.
Since 1892, Spruce Point Inn has provided distinctive vacation experiences for travelers to beautiful mid-coast Maine. An iconic property within the New England region, it has long been a landmark destination among the popular summer colonies of the area. Spruce Point Inn offers the same unspoiled views the original inhabitants, sportsman, and other notables have enjoyed for generations.
A wonderful amenity for Inn guests to enjoy is an hour long scenic harbor tour. On Wednesday morning we headed down to the dock for a lovely, intimate exploration of the area by sea.
On this very popular trip you will see much that Boothbay Harbor has to offer: lighthouses, sea life, the rocky shores of Maine, boats of every kind, and many other sights & sounds that make up the feelings people take home that you can only find in Maine, rain or shine. We particularly enjoyed watching the swing bridge in action, meeting a curious seal and learning where to find the best ice cream in town from our friendly captain.
Has Maine been on your bucket list? Are you ready to chart your own forest and harbor adventures? Contact us to start planning your visit!
