Reef Point Preserve

This trail does not seem to be maintained any more, and it has a somewhat awkward entrance. But I think you can still walk here! If you don’t mind somewhat rough, overgrown conditions, it’s worth the struggle to visit the calm waters and gentle rapids of the stretch of Medomak River that flows through the land. You can also check out what I think are the stone abutments to a former bridge.

To access the 55-acres preserve, you can park your car in a little pullout at the end of Reef Road. The trail starts off alongside the driveway of a house as it heads toward the old logging road that accesses the preserve. While there are no signs welcoming walkers at the trail’s start, there are also no signs not welcoming walkers!

The logging road — indeed the whole path — might be grassy and overgrown. You’ll reach the loop at 0.6 miles; you should see a large sign for the Midcoast Conservancy preserve at this point. From here, if you continue straight along what might be an overgrown and possibly wet and muddy stretch of trail, you’ll soon arrive at a gorgeous section of river and a ferny riparian habitat. Eventually the path curves up into a pretty forest and back to the access road. The loop is about 0.8 miles, making for a 2-mile walk.

Directions: From Route 1, follow Depot Street north, continuing on Wagner Bridge Road. Turn right onto Reef Road. Park at the road’s end in a little pullout. Reef Point Preserve is 0.6 mi from the end of Reef Road and must be accessed by foot via the dirt road.