Blue Horizons, Bar Harbor

Blue Horizons is great for:

• Hiking – Enjoy the gentle paths that lead across the preserve to a scenic beach along the shores of Clark Cove.
• Wildlife Viewing – Opportunities to encounter wildlife abound, including amphibians in vernal pools and migratory shorebirds feeding within the preserve’s extensive mudflats.

How to get there

From Route 102 in Town Hill, head west on Indian Point Road. Drive 0.5 mile to a gravel driveway, Fire Road 800, on the right. Parking is available along the road’s shoulder. There is a locked gate at the entrance to the driveway. The driveway is marked with a MCHT sign. Please respect the privacy of the preserve’s neighbors.

Notes on topography, flora, and fauna

Located on the western side of Mount Desert Island, the 82-acre Blue Horizons Preserve features small meadows surrounded by a maturing spruce forest and bordered with a sweeping cobble beach. The property was donated to MCHT in 2010 so that “the inhabitants of Mount Desert could swim in open water, picnic, kayak, sail, and schools might bring in science classes to visit [the] bog and shoreline.” Two cottages, a small pump house, utility sheds and a seawall remain.

Visit Blue Horizons throughout the year. The preserve is a wonderful place to observe wildlife, especially near the shore and by a vernal pool where wood frogs and spotted salamanders entertain guests in the spring and early summer. Mudflats offshore are also popular with shellfish harvesters.

Stay clear of cottages

The two cottages on the preserve are used to house MCHT’s seasonal staff. Please do not enter the buildings.

How Blue Horizons became open to the public

MCHT acquired the Blue Horizons Preserve in 2010, thanks to a generous donation from the previous landowner.

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

Preserve information & guidelines

• No Camping Permitted
• No Fires Permitted
• Stay on Established Trails
  • 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