Local Natural Wonders - Day 12

Local Natural Wonders - Day 12 - Dodge Point Preserve, Newcastle, Maine

With over 500 acres, Dodge Point offers over 8,000 feet of frontage along the Damariscotta River and has secluded beaches and River views as well as a diversified environment with many species of plants and animals. It has a trail system with over 6 miles of hiking trails through a variety of ecosystems.

More about the trails from AllTrails.com:

Old Farm Road Trail (2 mile loop, easy):

The Old Farm Road Trail leaves from the parking lot and traverses the interior of the property. This trail is an easy hike along old farm roads used by farmers in the 1800's and loggers in more recent times. It winds through a mixed growth forest with gentle slopes and a large stand of red pine and along the way passes many old stone walls, remnants of farmer's property boundaries. There is also an ice pond off from this trail that was used by residents of the area during the winter for ice that was used in their ice boxes for cold storage prior to the introduction of electricity. Several trails branch off from this main loop providing access to different areas of the property. In addition, this trail is also an excellent trail for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in the winter.

Shore Trail (1.5 miles, easy): The Shore Trail spurs off the Old Farm Road and follows the shores of the Damariscotta River. It is the most popular trail, and hikers can access a sand beach and a pebble beach for swimming to cool off on hot summer days. Visitors can also picnic on the river bank while observing many species of shore birds such as egrets, ospreys, herons, and eagles. 

For Directions and More information about the history of this preserve check out this website.