Boot Head

Visit a Preserve

Update 4/1/2020: MCHT’s public preserves remain open and we welcome their safe use. Please review our Covid-19 response page for more detailed information.

At this time we are closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation and taking guidance from the CDC, the state, and local health authorities. We ask that you do the same.

For those able to visit MCHT preserves, we ask that you please take every precaution to prevent the spread of the virus.

Here are some guidelines:

If you feel sick, stay home
Follow the CDC’s guidelines around personal hygiene – including washing your hands, sanitizing appropriate surfaces, etc.
Keep a distance of six feet from other preserve visitors
Attempt to visit a preserve at a time when it’s less likely to be busy
If you find a preserve busy, please leave and return at another time
Check out a blog from the National Recreation and Park Association on practicing safe social distancing while enjoying the outdoors
Please remember to follow other preserve guidelines and local ordinances and special orders

We keep the coast open

Our free and public preserves range from waterfront pocket parks to vast forests, from wild islands to community garden spaces. These special places are here for you to enjoy thanks to the generosity of thousands of donors. Thank you ahead of time for helping us keep the coast clean and beautiful!

Find preserves close to home or set out on a far-away adventure.

Southern Maine Region

Midcoast Region

Mount Desert Island Region

Downeast Region

How do you experience the coast? Find preserves great for…

Birding

Camping

Hiking

History

Guidelines for Public Use

MCHT preserves are special places managed to protect ecological diversity, scenic beauty, low impact recreation, and other community benefits. Our intent is to have them retain their natural character, with little human influence. Where trails exist they tend to be footpaths; campsites are rustic; and human amenities are generally non-existent.

For a guided tour of an MCHT Preserve, be sure to visit our field trips page to learn about upcoming trips.

Thank you for observing the following policies:

Please adhere to ‘leave no trace’ and ‘carry-in/carry-out’ practices.
Pets must be under voice or leash control.
Motorized vehicles are prohibited.
Hunting is generally allowed.
Islands with nesting birds have seasonal restrictions during nesting periods (typically February–August).
Fires are generally allowed on island preserves, below mean high water, with a permit (207) 827-1800.
Overnight use is only allowed on designated islands.
Size limits apply to groups using MCHT campsites.
Commercial and non-profit sponsored groups are required to obtain a permit from MCHT prior to visiting.
Preserve specific guidelines are posted on location.

Visiting Maine Islands

Most preserves in this guide are undeveloped islands. In keeping with the Trust’s longstanding commitment to protect the unique experience these islands provide, we manage these properties lightly. We also count on the careful stewardship of all who use these special places—please treat them with extra care so that those coming after you can enjoy them as well. If you encounter other visitors, please respect their solitude and island experience.

With few exceptions, you will need to provide your own transportation to MCHT’s island preserves. Please do so only if you have experience navigating Maine’s coastal waters. As always when visiting a remote location, prepare in advance with proper clothing and equipment. We wish you a safe and enjoyable visit!

For more information, call us at (207) 729-7366.