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.

As of summer 2025, the preserve also had two trailhead kiosks along Route 187 and a third trailhead. The northernmost kiosk is set at the start of a wide woods road that we didn’t explore. The second, a bit farther south on the road, is stationed at a field. Though the map at the trailhead kiosk indicated a 0.4-mile loop through the meadow here, we didn’t see evidence of one!

The third trailhead, at the end of Bay Ridge Road, proved to be the charm. If you drive a half mile down the dirt lane, you’ll arrive at a small parking area. The road continues toward the bay as a grassy lane. Follow this for 0.3 miles to a small loop. A narrow footpath at the far left bend of the loop continues toward the water for another 0.2 miles, to the shore. 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.

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.