Posted on November 17, 2017 and last updated on May 31, 2021

Thorpe Preserve, Boothbay

QUICK TRAIL FACTS

  • Preserve Size: not sure, very small!
  • Trail Mileage: .2 miles in network
  • Pets: yes
  • Difficulty: easy to moderate
  • Sights: Public boat ramp, Townsend Gut, Southport Bridge, Boothbay Harbor

This is a tiny but pleasant preserve, with about 10 to 15 minutes of walking. But you might want to spend a bit of time on the protected pebbly beach (if the tide is right!), which is on the other side of McKown Point Road from the parking area/trailhead. It’s about 0.1 miles from the parking area.

To find the trail to the beach, head out of the public boat launch driveway and cross the street. Follow the guardrail to where it breaks, and you’ll see a marked path down to the shore. There are old concrete stairs stepping down to boulders on the beach. My elderly mom had a bit of trouble here—but you can also make your way to the water by walking down the grassy bank before you reach the stairs.

From the parking lot, you can also climb 0.1 mile to a little bench with views.

Directions: From Boothbay Harbor, continue southwest on Route 27 about 1.5 miles. Turn left on McKown Point Rd. (follow signs to Coast Guard Station, Blake’s Boatyard and Aquarium.) Turn right in 0.2 miles (sign pointing to Public Boat Ramp.)

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