Mason Bay Preserve

After this amazing area was transferred to Maine Coast Heritage Trust from Pleasant River Wildlife Foundation, it was renamed Mason Bay Preserve. The trust is working to upgrade public access to key areas while maintaining the foundation’s original intention of protecting habitat.

The preserve is big — it has 639 upland acres and 260 acres of fresh and saltwater wetlands, and miles of shorefront.

The preserve has three trailheads along Route 187, two with kiosks and pleasant walking paths. The middle kiosk is stationed at a field, with a 0.4-mile loop through the meadow. This is a wonderful place for a picnic. (See fall photos by Travis Chandler below.)

The south trailhead, at the end of Bay Ridge Road, offers a one-way trek to the bay. If you drive a half mile down the dirt lane, you’ll arrive at a small parking area. The road turns into a footpath as a grassy lane. Follow this 0.3 miles to a small loop. A narrow path at the left continues toward the water another 0.2 miles,. A scattering of large rocks offers a place to rest and enjoy the view. This trail was unmarked and unimproved in July, but easy to follow.

The northernmost kiosk is set at the start of a wide gravel road. For those enjoying the estuaries of the Mason Bay Preserve, you can walk an easy half mile along the grassed-over road to White Creek and a beaver pond that flows into the estuary. About halfway to the terminus of the trail, you’ll pass a trickling brook.

Directions: For the half-mile trail at the end of Bay Ridge Road, turn onto the dirt Bay Ridge Road from Route 187. Go about 940 feet to a small parking area. Continue your walk down the grassy lane.

Photos and info contributed by Travis Chandler.