Posted on August 27, 2023 and last updated on August 27, 2023

Elementary School Nature Trail, Deer Isle

QUICK TRAIL FACTS

  • Preserve Size: Not sure
  • Trail Mileage: 0.5 miles in trail system
  • Pets: yes
  • Difficulty: easy
  • Sights: Boardwalk, storybook trail

This is a very charming school trail! On the north side of the school access road, the trail is entirely boardwalk, raised above a wetland forest with a thick blanket of ferns. On the foggy day I visited, the surroundings were green, pungent, and drippy, and did a convincing impression of a tropical ecosystem at times.

The 0.3-mile boardwalk is sturdy and well made. Part of it is wheelchair accessible — the section closer to the tennis courts. There are two platforms that serve as outdoor classrooms.

Young writers and artists have turned the path into a storybook trail, writing and illustrating their own picture books and staking the pages along the boardwalk. One conscientious child also created a warning sign that the boardwalks can be slippery when wet.

Across the school access road, the trails continue through the forest as wide, flat footpaths, linking school facilities.

Directions: You can access the trail system from the Deer Isle-Stonington high school or elementary school, parking at either facility. I visited when school was not in session. The schools are approximately three miles from the bridge into Deer Isle, on the left if you’re traveling south on Route 15.

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

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.