Witherle Woods, Castine
Located in Castine, Witherle Woods has a rich military history, offers pleasant views of Penobscot Bay, and features groomed cross-country skiing trails in the winter.
Witherle Woods is great for:
- Hiking. Put on your hiking shoes and explore more than 4.3 miles of trails as they gradually wind through the changing forests of this coastal preserve. Scroll down to learn more.
- History. Take a walk back in time and discover a Maine site that witnessed American and British troops during our nation’s earliest battles for independence. Scroll down for trail info.
- Cross-country skiing. Volunteers convert the preserve’s snow-covered paths into groomed trails in the winter months.
How to get there
From the junction of Routes 166 and 166A in Castine follow Route 166 south 0.9 mile to the top of a hill. Continue right at a sharp bend in the road and drive 0.8 mile along Battle Avenue to the preserve on the right. Parking is available along the fence line (please do not block the gate).
For a complete map with legend and guidelines, click on the Printable Preserve Map above.
Suggested loop hike
Begin at the Battle Avenue parking area and follow the dirt road to the kiosk near the top of the hill. Turn right, hike past the remains of a forward battery constructed here in 1779, and continue to the third trail junction. Bear left here and join this wide path as it descends gradually for about three-quarters of a mile to the former Furieuse Battery 1 site, built in 1814 by the British. The trail quickly reaches a short spur on the left that rises to the Lookout, a vantage point from which British troops occupying Castine watched for enemy forces approaching on Penobscot Bay.
Past the spur, the main trail passes the Furieuse Battery 2 site just before arriving at a junction with the Indian Trail. Turn right here and drop steeply towards the water’s edge. Follow this path left as it parallels Penobscot Bay, occasionally offering scenic views. Eventually the route swings sharply left and climbs the steep hillside. At a trail junction, turn left and then take the next two rights to return to the kiosk and end the loop.
Notes on topography, flora, and fauna
This 193-acre preserve on scenic Castine peninsula features a forest of red and white spruce, balsam fir, white pine, and several hardwood stands. Over the past decade, the woods have experienced a high level of mortality due to old age and insect damage. After storms in 2007-2008 caused major blowdowns, MCHT worked with a forester and logger to salvage the timber, ensure public safety, and prepare for a healthy future forest.
How Witherle Woods became open to the public
In 1985 Witherle Woods became MCHT’s first preserve when the 97-acre Hatch Natural Area was donated to MCHT in an effort to conserve this important ecological and historic community resource.
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
- No Motorized 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
