Center Point Preserve, Bowdoinham

This beautiful Kennebec Estuary Land Trust preserve lies at the tip of a little peninsula, with much of the surrounding land protected in a state wildlife management area. Only the end of the point is part the KELT preserve, but the walk down a mossy dirt lane edged with a crumbling stone wall provides a lot of the walk’s pleasure.

The trail kiosk and official parking lot — which looks big enough for 10 cars or so — is on the right soon after passing Six River Farm stand. Because you’re not allowed to park along the side of Center Point Road, you have to walk 0.35 miles on the unpaved road to reach the narrower lane that extends to the point. But this is not a hardship; it is a very quiet place.

Beyond the rickety gate at 0.3 miles, the track narrows, continuing straight and passing some wetlands. You’ll walk by a couple of private drives before reaching the KELT preserve marked with a sign. When you come to the peninsula’s end, which is mounded with a clearing on the top as if were once a home site, there is a trail to your right that makes a small loop. The path brings you to a couple of rocky beaches, a protected cove, and ledges stretching out into the river. It looks like promising swimming!

The broad expanse of water surrounding the point is part of Merrymeeting Bay, a freshwater tidal bay where several rivers flow together, including the Androscoggin and Kennebec Rivers.

Other than the short footpath around the small point, the walking follows a dirt road and lane, making it very easy and accessible.

Directions: From Route 24, turn onto Browns Point Road. Go about 1.42 miles and turn right onto Center Point Road at the old Jefferson schoolhouse. The road can be a bit rough. Park on the right, about half a mile from the schoolhouse, at the trailhead kiosk and large lot.