Posted on January 20, 2019 and last updated on October 04, 2022

Witherle Woods, Castine

QUICK TRAIL FACTS

  • Preserve Size: 185 acres
  • Trail Mileage: ~4.3 miles in system
  • Pets: yes
  • Difficulty: easy to moderate
  • Sights: Fantastic views of Penobscot Bay

This 185-acre Maine Coast Heritage Trust preserve has one of the best views you can walk to in this area, in my opinion! Most of the trails at this historic preserve are wide and easy to walk, with a couple of minor ups and downs. They are groomed for skiing in the winter.

The most pathy of paths is the narrow Indian Trail, which despite its questionable name for 2019, is great. It’s steep, though, heading sharply down to the sea, with some good ocean views along the way.

The highlight of the walk is Blockhouse Point, with wide vistas over Penobscot Bay. The second highlight is the lookout, reachable via a short spur from the perimeter trail. The views are slightly less spectacular here.

The site is loaded with history. Blockhouse Point once was the site of a British military building and the lookout helped British troops in the War of 1812 spy enemies approaching by ship.

Directions: From the junction of Routes 166 and 166A in Castine follow Route 166 south .9 mile to the top of a hill. Continue right at a sharp bend in the road and drive .8 mile along Battle Avenue to the preserve on the right. Parking is available along the fence line.

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