Lampson, Castine and Penobscot

Lampson is great for:

• Hiking – Follow a loop trail nearly one mile across meadows and through forests to a scenic point on the river.
• Wildlife observation – Be ready with binoculars in hand to spot songbirds along the trail, bald eagles soaring overhead, and the bobbing heads of harbor seals in the surrounding tidal waters.

How to get there

From the junction of Routes 166 and 199 in Castine, follow Route 199 a few hundred feet northeast to the parking area on the right.

Notes on topography, flora, and fauna

The 21-acre Lampson Preserve is a sloping riverfront property located along the Bagaduce River in the towns of Castine and Penobscot. Located at the edge of a small cove on the Bagaduce River, known as Grindle’s Eddy, the preserve includes approximately 1,500 feet of shoreline.

The diversity of habitats on the Lampson Preserve attracts a variety of wildlife. Monarch butterflies, tree swallows, and deer frequent the open areas. The forested portions of the preserve are home to songbirds, wood frogs, and ruffed grouse. Along the shore, visitors can spot bald eagle, osprey, shorebirds, and harbor seals.

How Lampson became open to the public

In 1998, MCHT acquired this 21-acre property thanks to a generous donation. Later, the property was named the Starr and Virginia Lampson Preserve, in tribute to a 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