Preserves and Trails
IIT maintains 9 trail systems and 14 nature preserves across the Islesboro archipelago. Each preserve is unique and protects valuable local habitats and ecologies. Trails are open to the public from dawn to dusk, and we ask that vistors embrace a leave-no-trace practice while enjoying our natural spaces.
Click on a photo below for more information.
Lily Guest Trail
Broad Point Preserve and Trail
The Narrows Preserve and Trail
Herbert Preserve and Trail
Mill Dam Preserve and Trail
Hutchins Marsh Preserve and Elaine's Trail
Hutchins Island Preserve and Trail
Blueberry Hill Preserve, Gardens, Orchard, and Trail
Hinkle Preserve and Trail
Turtle Head Preserve and Trail
Spruce Island Preserve
Lily Guest Trail
The Lily Guest Trail winds through spruce, pine, and fir forested wetland, down to Jones Cove overlooking Gilkeys Harbor and the Camden Hills. The Lily Guest Trail is owned by The Tarratine Club of Dark Harbor, who generously host this IIT-built and maintained trail.
Distance: 1.3 miles
Time: 45 minutes
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Broad Point Preserve and Trail
The Broad Point Trail features long bog bridges through Eastern white cedar swamp out to Broad Point with views south down Gilkeys Harbor.
Distance: 1.5 miles
Time: 45 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
The Narrows Preserve and Trail
The Narrows Preserve Trail is a short loop on the narrow forested isthmus that connects North and South Islesboro. It features views of Crow cove to the West and Islesboro harbor across the road to the East.
Distance: .2 miles
Time: 15 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Herbert Preserve and Trail
The Herbert Preserve Trail winds around the Ryder Cove estuary. The trail crosses a number of steep drainages under an Eastern hemlock canopy.
Distance: 1.5 miles
Time: 1 hour
Difficulty: Moderate - Steep Slopes
Mill Dam Preserve and Trail
The Mill Dam Preserve Trail connects to the Herbert Preserve Trail. It makes an easy loop through forested wetland and along the banks of Ryders Cove and features views of the old Mill Dam site.
Distance: .5 miles
Time: 30 minutes
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Hutchins Marsh Preserve and Elaine's Trail
Elaine’s Trail at the Hutchins Marsh Preserve runs along the beach at Coombs Cove and circles the marsh pond estuary. It hosts more than 139 species of plants and 112 species of birds, as well as river otter, mink, and whitetail deer.
Distance: 2.3 miles
Time: 2 hours, 20 minutes
Difficulty: Moderate
Hutchins Island Preserve and Trail
Please check the Tide Charts before crossing the sandbar.
The Devie Hamlen Trail around Hutchins Island is accessible at low tide by traversing the sandbar that separates Coombs and Parker coves. The island features the stone foundation of an old homestead and shell middens left by indigenous peoples.
Distance: 1.7 miles
Time: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Blueberry Hill Preserve, Orchard, Gardens, and Trail
The Blueberry Hill Preserve features blueberry fields, apple orchards, and the IIT learning garden, with views of Hutchins Island and Coombs and Parker Coves. The trail makes a loop through alder swamp and forested wetland to the shore of Parker Cove.
Distance: 1.5 miles
Time: 1 hour
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Hinkle Preserve and Trail
The Hinkle Preserve Trail is a short loop through a fern and hardwood glade to the shore of Parker Cove near Point Comfort. During the summer, it hosts a story walk for children created in conjunction with the Islesboro Public Library.
Distance: .2 miles
Time: 15 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Turtle Head Preserve and Trail
The Turtle Head Preserve Trail traverses rocky cliffs and features panoramic views of North Penobscot Bay. Its unique geology includes some of the oldest-known stone in the world.
Distance: Long Loop: 1.26 miles
Time: 1 hour
Difficulty: Moderate
Spruce Island Preserve
IIT owns the southern half of Spruce Island. A gravel beach on the southern end is accessible. Do not hike the interior or have campfires.
