Carter Nature Preserve, Furth Wildlife and Talalay Nature Sanctuaries, Surry

Beautiful trails wind through all three preserves for a walk that combines forest, meadow, and sea. I started on the Carter side, which begins along a field before edging Morgan Bay—which is ideal for a swim at high tide. The trail turns into the woods from the shore after a short while—look for the Carter Nature Preserve sign from the beach. Dogs are not allowed in this section of the preserve.

On the Carter side, look for the small side trail that takes you out to some flat ledges. You can swim from here, or head down the shore a small ways to the small beach area.

If you continue along the trail, you’ll wind around to Cross Road, which you can cross to ender the wooded Furth and Talalay Sanctuaries. These trails form loops. They are easy, but rooty.

Directions: Take Route 176 from Blue Hill toward East Blue Hill. Turn right onto Cross Road after 7.5 miles. You can park in a small pullover on the right. There’s more parking a little farther up the road, at the trailhead of Furth and Talalay sanctuaries.