Preserve Details

trail length
0.9 miles
difficulty level
Easy

Little Ponds Preserve

Harpswell Heritage Land Trust

The easy trail on this 22-acre Preserve is perfect for anyone looking for a peaceful walk or for listening for birds in peaceful woods. You’ll want to linger here to watch and listen for signs of wildlife that frequent the rich wetlands.

The Little Ponds Preserve features portions of two ponds that make up the core of the southern parcel of the Preserve, in addition to a tidal cove known as Mill Pond to the north and surrounding forests. Tiemer Pond, now a cattail marsh, provides foraging and nesting habitat for red-winged blackbirds and often heard, but seldom seen, American bitterns and Sora and Virginia rails. Mill Pond’s intertidal mud flats at the head of Hen Cove provide habitat for shorebirds, wading birds, numerous invertebrates, and soft-shell clams. The loop trails pass through mixed forests with ferns lining the forest floor. The south loop offers views of the cattail marsh while the north loop is on private property and follows the edge of Mill Pond before turning back into the forest. 

The Mary Bucksbaum Scanlan Family Foundation provided funding for the acquisition and the long-term stewardship of the Little Ponds Preserve.

Directions

Click here to get directions from Google Maps.

The Preserve is located at 206 Bethel Point Road. From Cook’s Corner in Brunswick, follow Rt 24 south for 4.1 miles. Turn left onto Cundy’s Harbor Road. In 3 miles, turn right onto Bethel Point Road. Drive about one mile and look for a parking lot on the right just south of the intersection of Bethel Point Road with Little Ponds Road.

Visitor Guidelines

  • Carry in, carry out.
  • Pedestrian use only.
  • No overnight parking.
  • No open fires.
  • No camping.
  • Dogs must be on leash during bird nesting season (April 15-July 31). At other times, dogs must be under owner control and not bother wildlife, neighbors, or other users.
  • Carry out all dog waste.
  • Hunting is allowed. Placing or using tree stands or blinds require permission from HHLT. Wear blaze orange and take appropriate safety precautions during hunting season.
  • No trapping.
  • Please respect wildlife, neighbors and other users.
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