Porters Preserve White Loop Trail is a 0.9 mile lightly trafficked loop trail located near Trevett, Maine that features a river and is good for all skill levels. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from April until October. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
In 1983 Nathaniel Porter donated 19 acres on the southern tip of Barters Island to the Boothbay Region Land Trust. Trails meander through old growth spruce, oak and pine along half mile of shorefront on the Sheepscot and Back rivers with lovely scenic vistas. There is a sheltered cove with a beach and a small off-shore island known as Lydia Ann’s Island. Nathaniel Porter’s father purchased this land from the Hull and Goddard families in the early 1900s. An old cellar hole still exists on the edge of the Sheepscot on the site of the Hull home. As time progressed, Nathaniel and his wife were pressed to develop or subdivide the property. Courthouse records show several deeds from the Porters establishing conservation restrictions on all their property. Ultimately, they donated the unspoiled portion of their holding to BRLT. In 2005, through a generous donation from Robert and Linda Jones, the BRLT acquired the 1.9 acre Roberts property adjacent to the Porter Preserve. Over the years, the Roberts had allowed fishermen to access the water and the deep cove on the Sheepscot River. The Joneses wrote: "The intention (collectively) from the beginning was to allow... waterfront activities to continue that the community has viewed as endangered. Our family has cherished the mixture of communities and shore and water uses that our parents and forebears found here and were drawn to a century ago. It appears to us that the scales have tipped toward large scale residential/recreational uses and away from small scale intrinsic uses." BRLT hopes that Roberts Wharf will serve as a model for other environmental organizations interested in pursuing strategies that link objectives for shorefront preservation with working waterfront goals.
Directions to Porter Preserve: From Boothbay Harbor travel north on Route 27; take a left at the monument in Boothbay Center onto Corey Lane. Proceed 0.3 miles. Turn right onto Barters Island Road and travel 2.2 miles, crossing two bridges. Turn left on Kimballtown Road. Proceed 0.5 mile and turn left onto a dirt road. Proceed 0.1 mile to a small parking are on your right just beyond the cemetery. Please do not park along road. Additional parking is available at the end of Kimballtown Road near the stacked lobster traps.
January 24, 2021excellent trail! recommend taking all the blue side trails- beautiful vistas.
January 24, 2021November 28, 2020November 13, 2020Great spot for young kids!
October 16, 2020great trail with amazing views.
October 15, 2020It was peaceful and beautiful, you can definitely take some great photos and there’s plenty of places to spend time at so that you’re not bumping into other people but it’s small. Definitely not worth driving out to if you’re not already in the area.
October 10, 2020It was simply a lovely walk. Well marked, with lots of vistas with plenty of specials spots to just sit a take it all in.
September 21, 2020Great hike! Did this in September and was surprised to see a maxed out parking lot.
September 14, 2020Beautiful trail. Very easy and gorgeous vistas. Fun family hike.
September 12, 2020Easy to access, lots of vista points to see from blue/yellow trails. Can be done as quickly or as slowly as needed. Great afternoon
September 12, 2020September 6, 2020August 20, 2020August 19, 2020Loved it- great views - follow the blue markings
August 19, 2020Beautiful views. Wasn’t totally clear if white or blue was the way to go but we found our way. A couple of spots where you need to navigate rocks.
August 10, 2020Beautiful and easy trail!
August 3, 2020Eh parts were somewhat confusing bc as I record it was similar but didn’t match and then they had a blue trail? And a few vistas. Not confusing as would get lost would but not exactly knowing location. Very nice overall and pretty.
August 2, 2020great trail, albeit some minor inclinations and roots you need to be mindful of.
July 31, 2020easy hike, great views
July 31, 2020we thought the views from this trail were really nice. at the trailhead, there is also an old cemetery. I didn't go in, but did see one headstone from1 818
July 30, 2020Decent trail for a morning hike. Not terribly big but some decent little spots by the river and little beach that if you can handle the sand fleas and no ones around provides a decent opportunity for an early morning dip in the river. Trails aren’t well marked but you def aren’t going to get lost in this little preserve.
July 22, 2020Wonderful short little trail- easy beautiful short hike with multiple “vista” views of the water and even a beach with low tide. A must see if you are in the area!
June 24, 2020This was a very nice scenic hike. I enjoyed it very much. It was a bit rocky and required some light climbing. Kind of a rough trail for a dog because of the steep rocks.
May 23, 2020A must see!! My 7 year old daughter and I had a blast here today. So much to see, ocean breeze and the smell of pine trees, absolutely gorgeous and the reason I love living in Maine. We got there early, no other cars however by the time we left the place was busy. A new favorite and we will definitely be back!
May 8, 2020Well maintained, with great ocean views.
May 3, 2020Amazing short romp around a very well kept peninsula. Would 100% recommend to anyone. Beautiful views at every turn with plenty of scenic "Vistas". Take a peak at the tide clock and go at low tide for some coastal rock scampering and perhaps a hidden beach or 2.
March 28, 2020Just beautiful. Great mix of forests and ocean vistas.
March 21, 2020Lovely views and trails-ideal for families.
November 3, 2019Fantastic well marked and easy to navigate trails in this beautiful little preserve. We had a wonderful time exploring. A great way to spend a hour or two outdoors. Bring a camera! It is incredibly picturesque.
October 10, 2019Great secret beach at low tide!
