QUICK TRAIL FACTS
- Preserve Size: Not sure
- Trail Mileage: 3.5 miles in network
- Pets: yes
- Difficulty: easy
- Sights: old mill dam, views of the Morse River salt marshes
The tidal pool Spirit Pond is aptly named. This is a walk not to be missed, for the views, the birds, the beauty. Count on walking about three miles if you do the main loop and its spur trails to views, all very pretty. You can park at the trailhead but it is not plowed in the winter.
If you head to the left from the main trailhead on Route 209 you’ll make your way to McDonald Sanctuary and can do a small loop before doing the bigger, more dramatic loop on Spirit Pond. There are lots of views in this preserve of the pond and the Morse River salt marshes. The area does tend to be muddy at times, and also buggy, so arm yourself with spray in season. It’s also possible to swim in the pond, or at least, people have been seen swimming here. I cannot vouch for it!
Directions: From the Center Store, go roughly 4.6 miles south on Main Rd. (Rte. 209), and turn left onto Popham Rd, (Rte. 209) when it intersects with Route 216. Continue approximately 1.5 miles. A small parking area and trail-head are on the right.
