QUICK TRAIL FACTS
- Preserve Size: Not sure
- Trail Mileage: ~1.5 miles in network
- Pets: yes
- Difficulty: moderate
- Sights: streams, cliffs, views of cove and river
Tracy Shore trails in blue, Library Park trails in green
The trails here are pretty, and the views they lead to, including several overlooks, are really impressive — high views over Damariscotta River’s Jones Cove. The Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust describes the preserve as “a well-marked system of trails wends its way past vernal pools, cascading streams, and cliffs adorned in rock tripe and ferns, culminating at a promontory affording stunning views of the cove and river.”
In total, the trail system is about 1.5 miles, and a trail connects to Library Park, a nearby walk with about 0.8 miles of pretty trails. It includes a great overlook of McFarlands Cove.
The best views are from the trail near Garber Overlook. Be careful on the cliffs. You can also check out the little seaweed-strewn beach at the end of the cove and the high point along the yellow trail topped with a bench.
Directions: Tracy Shore is located on the west side of Route 129 in South Bristol, about 11 miles south of Damariscotta or 1.5 miles north of The Gut. Enter off of the S Road about 20 feet from 129. There are about five spots in the parking lot. If it’s full, you can also park at Rutherford Library, a bit farther down Route 129.
