Babson Creek, Somesville

Babson Creek is great for:

Birdwatching – Grab your binoculars before exploring the marshlands surrounding Babson Creek for birds and other wildlife.

Photography – Snap a few pics, the views of the marsh and distant mountain peaks are especially photogenic in the evening light.

How to get there

From the junction of Routes 3, 198, and 102 in Somesville, follow Route 102 north 0.2 mile to the preserve entrance on the right.

Explore the preserve

The open nature of the land’s maintained fields affords easy access to the creek’s western side and a hand-carry launching area for small boats.

Notes on topography, flora, and fauna

The Babson Creek Preserve is characterized by a mosaic of natural and managed habitats of significant ecological and scenic value. The salt marsh bordering the creek is relatively undisturbed by past land use and comprises one of the largest and most diverse salt marshes in conservation ownership on Mount Desert Island. The preserve’s open fields afford long views across the wetlands to the mountains beyond. First settled as early as 1810, the property has had a long history of human activity.

How this place became open to the public

MCHT acquired the bulk of the property in 2002, thanks to a donation from the Maine Coast Partners. In 2009, MCHT completed construction of an office building and stewardship barn on the preserve.

This place belongs to all of us. Help us take care of it!

Preserve information/guidelines

• No Camping Permitted
• No Fires Permitted
• Foot Traffic Only
• Trails Are Not Suitable for Wheeled Vehicles
• Carry Out All Trash
• Including Human and Pet Waste and Toilet Paper
• Keep Pets Under Control
• Please Respect the Privacy of Preserve Neighbors
• Do Not Remove Archaeological Artifacts