This spectacular 95-acre preserve provides one of the longest hiking trails in Harpswell.  A challenging 1.5-mile loop trail winds through several different forest types, passes a peat bog nestled between two prominent bedrock ridges, and finally descends to the shores of Long Reach.

This area is a prime example of Harpswell’s folded bedrock geology.  Long steep ridges run parallel to the shore and trap water to form peaty wetlands. Long Reach itself is a submerged valley, and at low water, tidal mudflats.  From the shore, visitors can look across to dramatic cliffs of weathered bedrock, at the top of which is the town-owned Cliff Trail.

Long Reach Preserve is part of a block of more than 500 acres of uninterrupted conserved land, which provides permanent habitat for wildlife and public access to the woods and waters of Harpswell.

Directions

Click here to get directions from Google Maps.

Long Reach Preserve is located at 648 Harpswell Islands Road, Harpswell. From Cook’s Corner in Brunswick, follow Rt 24 south for 6.8 mi. The Preserve shares a parking lot with the Trufant-Summerton Ball Field, which will be on your right. The trail head is to the right as you enter the parking lot.