The Boothbay Region and Wiscasset area are filled with nature to explore. The region has thousands of acres of conservation land for hikers, bicyclists, paddlers and other outdoor enthusiasts. If you’re looking to get outside, here are some publicly accessible areas. Check with land managers to be sure of routes, rules and how to be a responsible environmental steward. 

Boothbay Region Land Trust (BRLT). BRLT is a nonprofit that provides public access to nature across the peninsula with water access and over 30 miles of hiking trails in 20 preserves. Visit its flagship preserve at the 32-acre Oak Point Farm on Hodgdon Cove in Boothbay Harbor to learn more or visit the nature center. The farm includes a 0.6-mile stretch of trail to the shore and around the freshwater pond, accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. (207) 633-4818 or  https://bbrlt.org/ 

Midcoast Conservancy. With 100 miles of trails across 14,000 acres of land, Midcoast Conservancy manages the most areas to hike, bike, or paddle on this list. The organization stewards land and waterways across several towns including Edgecomb, Newcastle, Alna and beyond. For those looking for a stay, the Conservancy offers camping and cabins at the 1,000-acre Hidden Valley Nature Center in Jefferson. 207.389.5150 or https://www.midcoastconservancy.org/ 

Schmid Preserve. This around 800-acre preserve is in the heart of Edgecomb, managed by the town. It has several multi-use trails and features including streams, vernal pools, meadows, cellar holes, wells and historic stone walls. https://edgecomb.org/schmid-preserve-committee/ 

Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust (CRLT). CLRT manages lands in the Boothbay-Damariscotta-Pemaquid region across 4,000 acres and 51 miles of trails. The Trust also run events and a nature center at CLRT’s Salt Bay Farm headquarters in Damariscotta and has interpretive nature displays including a saltwater fish tank and touch tables. 207-563-1393 or https://www.coastalrivers.org/ 

River~Link Trail. The five-mile trail is a testament to collaborative conservation efforts in the Boothbay Peninsula. Co-managed by state, municipal and nonprofit partners (many listed above), it runs down the spine of the peninsula through several preserves and parks in a swath that stewards say is large enough to support moose and other roaming wildlife. https://www.coastalrivers.org/trail/riverlink-trail/