QUICK TRAIL FACTS
- Preserve Size: 95 acres
- Trail Mileage: 1.9 miles in network
- Pets: yes
- Difficulty: moderate
- Sights: Long Reach cove, peat bogs nestled between prominent bedrock ridges
Long Reach Preserve is 95 acres, and according to the Harpswell Heritage Land Trust, is a classic example of Harpswell’s folded bedrock geology. “Two steep bedrock ridges separated by peat-filled wetlands run north-south along the property. Long Reach itself is another submerged valley that is now tidal mudflats.”
At the viewpoint by the sound, there are beautiful vistas up and down Long Reach and across the water to the cliffs that make up the majestic heights of the Cliff Trail. And, like several of the walks around here (Cliff and Devil’s Back), there are some fairly steep ups and downs.
The 0.4-mile Bog Trail, which cuts through the middle of the property (it is a peat-filled wetland) is a mosaic of red, yellows, greens, and browns. It’s beautiful to check out, and the trail itself, while not completely flat, is not as hilly as some of the other sections of the preserve’s trail system.
If you catch the tides right, the small rocky area at the viewpoint could be a good place to cool off on a hot day! If you don’t catch the tides right, you may be gazing at mudflats.
The outer loop hike is roughly 1.8 miles. The trails here are well made and well posted.
Directions: From the intersection of Mountain Road and Harpswell Islands Road (Rt. 24), travel north on Harpswell Islands Road for 1.3 miles. The Preserve shares a parking lot with the Trufant-Summerton Ball Field, which will be on your left. The trail head is to the right as you drive into the ball field parking lot.
