Osborn Finch Wildlife Sanctuary

This is a short walk on a preserve protected by the Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust to the beautiful shores of Medomak River. The 11 acres include a cabin perched on the rocks overlooking the water (that at one point you could rent!).

The trail, with a short loop, is about 0.7 miles. It starts on an old dirt track in a two-acre grassy field, and quickly brings you to the kiosk at the forest entrance. From this point, the trail remains wide and easy, but becomes a bit more rolling and rooty as it makes its way through a “magical, moss-draped woodland boasting some of the oldest white and red spruce trees in the mid-coast Maine area.” Even the old stone walls are green with moss.

As you approach the tidal river, you’ll pass an outhouse and a path to your right that leads to the cabin. Continue on and shortly you’ll arrive at a beautiful small promontory where you can access waterside ledges, explore a tiny cove, or sit on a bench with views up the river. The river is wide, still, and quiet.

Returning along the loop you’ll pass enormous moss-covered rock formations with funny wigs of hairy ferns. I think this is a moraine, deposited eons ago by a glacier.

Directions: From Damariscotta, take Biscay Road to Route 32. Travel north on Route 32 for 6.3 miles and turn right on to Dutch Neck Road. At the fork go left for 2.5 miles. Preserve sign and grassy parking area are on the left. There’s room for just about two cars near the first sign.