Stonington MaineHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Stonington, Maine.
1. Barred Island Preserve
TIDAL ISLAND AND FOREST
Barred Island Preserve features a picturesque 1-mile trail leading through a lush, mossy forest and arriving at a sandy beach that reveals a tidal bar at low tide. The preserve is a favorite for its unique opportunity to walk to a tidal island and enjoy panoramic ocean views. This serene location is ideal for nature walks, picnics, and tidepool exploration.
2. Edgar M. Tennis Preserve
SHORELINE FOREST TRAILS
The Edgar M. Tennis Preserve offers a network of scenic trails that wind through coastal forest and along rocky shoreline, providing sweeping views of the ocean. The preserve is well-loved for its peaceful atmosphere and the diversity of plant and bird life found throughout the property. Hikers can enjoy several miles of trails with benches for relaxing and taking in the scenery.
3. Settlement Quarry Preserve
HISTORIC GRANITE QUARRY
Settlement Quarry Preserve invites visitors to explore the remnants of a historic granite quarry along its well-marked trails. The site boasts expansive views of Webb Cove, Merchant Row, Isle au Haut, and the distant Camden Hills. Interpretive signs along the paths reveal the area's rich geological and industrial history.
4. Crockett Cove Woods Preserve
OLD-GROWTH COASTAL FOREST
Crockett Cove Woods Preserve encompasses a rare, old-growth coastal forest thick with moss, ferns, and towering spruces. The loop trail meanders through lush woodlands that remain cool and shaded even on warm days. This peaceful preserve is perfect for quiet hikes, birdwatching, and appreciating unique plant communities.
5. Lily Pond Park
FAMILY-FRIENDLY FRESHWATER HIKE
Lily Pond Park features easy, level hiking trails that lead to the edges of a scenic freshwater pond dotted with lily pads and frequented by birds and beavers. It is a popular spot for families and picnickers seeking a peaceful setting close to nature. The park's short trails make it accessible for visitors of all ages.
6. Holt Mill Pond
PONDSIDE WOODS WALK
Holt Mill Pond offers tranquil walking paths along the edge of a secluded woodland pond set back from the road. The trail is short but provides opportunities to spot local wildlife and enjoy the quiet sounds of nature. This preserve is favored for its easy access and serene atmosphere.
7. Mariner's Memorial Park
SEASIDE COMMUNITY PARK
Mariner's Memorial Park combines local maritime heritage with scenic waterfront trails and open spaces. Visitors can walk along coastal paths and pause at the memorial that honors generations of local mariners. The park is a hub for community gatherings and outdoor recreation by the sea.
8. Lisa Tolman Wotton Nature Preserve
QUIET FORESTED SANCTUARY
The Lisa Tolman Wotton Nature Preserve provides a peaceful network of trails that lead through rolling woodlands and meadows. The preserve is ideal for walkers seeking solitude, wildflower spotting, and occasional wildlife views. It is especially lovely in spring and early summer when the wildflowers are in bloom.
9. Church Land Preserve
EASY NATURE TRAILS
Church Land Preserve features short, well-maintained nature trails that are accessible and family-friendly. The trails wind through mixed forest habitats and past open clearings with occasional ocean glimpses. This preserve is a relaxing destination for quick outings and picnics.
10. Reach Beach at Gray's Cove
SECLUDED TIDAL BEACH
Reach Beach at Gray's Cove is a quiet, sandy spot at the eastern end of Deer Isle, perfect for shoreline walks and beachcombing. At low tide, the expansive flats are exposed, providing a great place to observe sea life and enjoy the views. The beach offers a peaceful alternative to more crowded coastal areas.