Porter Preserve is a 23-acre property on Barters Island offering panoramic views from the shoreline of the Sheepscot River and access to a sheltered cove with a small beach. An easy 1.1-mile trail leads through heavily wooded areas, which feature old growth spruce, oak and pine trees. Several benches provide scenic overlooks toward cliffs and ledge rocks where seals can occasionally be seen sunbathing at low tide.
Porter Preserve is also home to Roberts Wharf, a working waterfront that provides public access to the Sheepscot River. Roberts Wharf supports local lobstermen who utilize the pier, float and field space for storing lobster traps and accessing the water. BRLT also holds a courtesy mooring for public use at this site.
Near Roberts Wharf, a Memorial Grove was designed and dedicated in 2009 “to provide quiet for those who seek peace, solace for those who grieve, and inspiration for those who pass this way.” Within its border of moss-covered boulders, shrubs, saplings, and the shoreline of the Sheepscot River, several rustic benches, logs, and rocks provide seating in the center of a tranquil and beautiful spot. Dogs must be leashed at all times at Porter Preserve.
Directions to Porter Preserve: From Boothbay Harbor go north on Rt. 27 to the roundabout in Boothbay Center; go around the roundabout and turn right 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/Porter Preserve St. 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.
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