Fernald’s Neck Preserve, Lincolnville

This is a beauty — but be warned, no dogs allowed. Fernald’s Neck Preserve, protected by the Coastal Mountains Land Trust, encompasses 285 acres and roughly four miles of trails. The trail doesn’t hew closely to the shoreline the whole way, but it does deposit you at some lovely points along Megunticook Lake. Some of these points have flat rocks that make great bases for swimming. The preserve also has a humongous boulder balancing on a narrow point. It’s impressive!

The highlight for me (and for many others, I assume!) is what’s marked as the “scenic view” on the land trust map. This spot on the Blue Trails sits high on a bluff, with a backdrop view of Mt. Megunticook (I believe). The peninsula overall is covered with towering old pines and hemlocks, creating a cool, dim understory. The two trail loops are separated by a bog.

The trails are rooty and rocky, and can be moderately steep as they ascend the two bluffs — there is also one on the Orange Trail, though the view is not as spectacular as the Blue Trail’s.

Directions: (From the land trust) From Lincolnville Center, take Route 52 south for 2 miles, then turn right at Fernalds Neck Road. Follow to its end, staying left at the fork. From Camden, take Route 52/Mountain Street north for 5.8 miles, turning left at Fernalds Neck Road. The narrow dirt road twists and turns — look for the hiking signs. The parking lot at the end of the road is big enough for 11-12 vehicles — its gate opens at 6:30 am and closes at 7:30 pm.