Posted on June 20, 2017 and last updated on November 29, 2023

Frances B. Wood Preserve and Salt Marsh Trail, Gouldsboro

QUICK TRAIL FACTS

  • Preserve Size: 438 acres (Frances Wood Preserve)
  • Trail Mileage: 1.8 miles in network
  • Pets: yes
  • Difficulty: easy
  • Sights: marsh, observation deck

There are two trails here, departing from opposite ends of the parking lot. If you don’t have much time I recommend the .8-mile (one way) Salt Marsh Trail, which has two observation platforms with views over the marsh. Both trails are well-marked and take you through lovely forest. The 1-mile Frances Wood trail skirts a bog.

The Frances Wood preserve is protected by the Frenchman Bay Conservancy and the Salt Marsh Trail is a US National Wildlife Refuge.

Directions:  From the Sullivan side of the Hancock-Sullivan Bridge drive 12 miles on coastal Route 1N to Chicken Mill Road on the right. Drive .4 mile and turn right onto Fletcher Wood Road. Drive .2 mile and take the first left onto a gravel road for 0.1 mile to the parking lot and kiosk. The FBC Preserve and trails are to the left, and the National Wildlife Refuge and trails are on the right. 

Let me know if you have any trail updates or corrections!