Woodward Point Preserve, Brunswick

The trails here start out on huge, green fields. You have a choose-your-own adventure type choice from the outset, as you can head down one of several mown paths to explore the 87-acre preserve. These trails, which take off down the fields toward the sea, branch again to take hikers to different ocean points—all rocky, pretty, and unique in their own way. While they vary somewhat in length, it’s a roughly half-mile walk from the parking lot to the shore. On a summer day, go for a swim!

There is a map at the trailhead kiosk. If you don’t have time to do all the trails, I recommend walking down the eastern field, which is the large one you’ll start out on and first see from the outset. This trail splits about two-thirds of the way down the meadow. Both legs are lovely, but I found the trail that turns right into the woods to be particularly nice. The land trust has built granite steps down the steep banks to the sea.

This is how the Maine Coast Heritage Trust describes the preserve: “Woodward Point is one of the few remaining undeveloped waterfront parcels of its size in Southern Maine, with 87 acres of forest and fields and over two miles of shoreline along two peninsulas on the New Meadows River in Brunswick.”

By the end of fall, in 2023, there will be a new accessible trail and parking.

Directions: Head south on Rt. 24/Gurnet Road toward Bailey Island/Orrs Island. After 1.2 miles, turn left onto Board Road. After .4 miles, turn right onto Woodward Point Road. Follow .9 miles to end of road and proceed onto the preserve. You can park in front of or behind the red barns.