Merritt Island, West Bath

This 28-acre island is owned by Bowdoin College and is on the Maine Island Trail, which means people are free to visit and explore as long as they’re respectful of the land and the students who might be using the spot for retreats. There’s a camping area at the southern tip of the island. The island is attached to the mainland via a causeway that does get covered at high tide, so mind the tide charts.

The path around the perimeter of the island is not blazed but is easy to follow. You might encounter a few felled trees — but also bridges over wet areas — and climbing down and up the bank from the causeway at the beginning and end can be a bit of a challenge.

The access road is not plowed regularly in the winter.

Directions: Take Foster Point Road to Hill Road in West Bath. Turn right onto Mountain Road. When the road splits, stay left on Mountain Road. In about three-quarters of a mile, turn right onto a dirt road (there should be a small sign for Merritt Island at this junction). Drive a short distance to where the road splits again. There should be another small sign here for the island. Stay left on the narrow drive, which descends a hill. Continue to where the lane dead ends at a small parking area, big enough for three vehicles. If it’s full, turning around could be a bit of an issue. There’s no parking along the access drive off Mountain Road (High Point Drive), as this is an emergency vehicle and fire lane.