Back Cove
Swans Island
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Guidelines
What You Need to Know
- No camping permitted
- No fires permitted
- Stay on established trail
- Foot traffic only (not suitable for wheeled vehicles)
- Carry out all trash (see details)
- Keep pets under control
- Respect privacy of preserve neighbors
Why we Care
A Place Worth Protecting
Step onto Back Cove’s one-mile trail through a peaceful forested landscape and you’ll see why this place is more than a scenic island escape—it’s a vital habitat we’re committed to protecting. Listen for songbirds in the canopy, watch shorebirds feeding along the mudflats, and enjoy a day of discovery in this special preserve.
Features
How to Get There
To get to Swan’s Island, you can take the ferry from Bass Harbor or arrive by private boat. The preserve’s trailhead is conveniently located across from The Island Market and Supply, where you can park and find any last-minute picnic supplies. For more detailed directions, see below.
Explore the Map
Click on trails and landmarks to learn more about what Back Cove has to offer.
Preserve Details
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Field Notes
Getting to Know Back Cove
The Path to Conservation
In 2012, a generous landowner donated the first 73 acres of Back Cove to MCHT. Neighboring landowners followed suit in 2016, donating an additional 20 acres. Finally, in 2020, MCHT purchased 6 acres to improve public access, making the preserve a total of 99 acres of protected lands.
On the Preserve
The topography of Back Cove is largely defined by two high points on either side of a central valley. From the shoreline, there are steep slopes up to the high points, with more gradual inclines defining the valley.
Natural communities mapped on the preserve include a mosaic of Maritime Spruce-Fir Forest and smaller patches of other mixed evergreens. There are also patches of early successional habitat that indicate relatively recent land clearing.
This varied environment is home to dozens of bird species, snowshoe hare, red squirrel, raccoon, mink, river otter, and white-tailed deer.
Stories from Mount Desert Island
How We’re Restoring Marshes
Many tidal marshes in Maine aren’t working the way they’re supposed to, but through restoration we can improve chances of successful marsh migration as sea levels rise in the decades to come.
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care for the coast
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More Information on Back Cove Preserve
Getting to the Trailhead
If arriving by ferry, follow Ferry Road south 0.5 miles. Turn right onto Atlantic Road. Drive 1.7 miles and then stay right on Harbor Road. In 0.5 miles, bear right onto North Road. Follow North Road 0.1 miles to the preserve’s trailhead on the right.
Help Us Take Care of the Preserve
This preserve belongs to all of us; that’s why it’s important to leave as little trace as possible when you visit.
To do that, please:
- Carry out all trash
- Carry out all pet waste
- Carry out all human waste (including toilet paper)