Posted on October 25, 2021 and last updated on October 25, 2021

Marcuse Wetlands Preserve, Vinalhaven

QUICK TRAIL FACTS

  • Preserve Size: 45 acres
  • Trail Mileage: 0.6-mile loop, 0.2-mile spur
  • Pets: yes
  • Difficulty: easy
  • Sights: wetlands

The ferns had slipped from bright green to light yellow, mint, and chestnut brown on a recent autumn day. The Vinalhaven Land Trust explains that the wetland forest here has grown over a filled-in peat bog, and the peat is deeper than six feet. There’s wet patches along the trail and lots of bog bridges. You can see faint remains of an old homestead in the woods, as well with rusting farm equipment lying near the path.

Directions: (From the land trust) From the ferry terminal, go left on Sands Road for 0.4 miles, right on Old Harbor Road for 0.3 miles, then bear left onto North Haven Road for 2.5 miles. Bear left at the intersection with Calderwood Neck Road, staying on North Haven Road for another 1.8 miles. Parking for the Marcuse Wetland Preserve is on the left.

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