Carter Nature Preserve, Furth Wildlife and Talalay Nature Sanctuaries

Beautiful trails wind through all three preserves for a walk that combines forest, meadow, and sea. I started on the Carter side, beginning along a field edging Morgan Bay, which is ideal for a swim at high tide. A small side trail takes you to some flat ledges on the bay. You can swim from here, or head down the shore a small ways to the small cobble beach. The trail turns into the woods from the shore to finish the loop. Dogs are not allowed on the Woods Trail, but are allowed elsewhere.

If you continue your walk across Cross Road, you’ll enter the wooded Furth and Talalay Sanctuaries. These trails form two 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.