Day hikers can see some of the oldest trees in the Acadia National Park area and possibly even catch a good view of seals on the Big Woods, Fern and Shore trails at Indian Point Blagden Preserve.
The three trails can be combined for a 2.7 mile hike. Indian Point is located on Mount Desert Island near the national park in Maine. The best time to hike the trail is May through October.
To reach the trailhead, from Maine State Road 102, south of its junction with Maine State Road 3, turn right/southwest onto Indian Point Road. Next, go right/northwest onto Higgins Farm Road where the preserve’s parking lot is located on the left.
The preserve boasts mature forests and offers more than 1,000 feet of rocky shoreline along Western Bay.
Unique woodland
The hike starts with the Big Woods Trail, which heads northwest into a forest.
The first thing you’ll notice is the incredible height and width of the trees. The preserve is located on the section of the island that was spared from the devastating fire of 1947, offering a striking contrast to the Mount Desert’s central and eastern regions. The preserve features towering red spruce, white cedar, and balsam fir.
While the majority of the woods are mature, there are signs of past logging activities in certain sections. Significant blowdown areas do exist, with the largest spanning over ten acres.
Along the edges of the forest and within the blowdown zones, species such as yellow and white birch, red oak, and red maple are more prevalent. These areas also host young white and red spruce and balsam fir seedlings, all vying for sunlight. In the preserve’s wetter central region, over eight acres of tamarack thrive, contributing to the area’s biodiversity.
Exercise caution while hiking the trail, as the age and variety of trees have resulted in numerous exposed roots along the paths.
At 0.3 miles, the trail crosses Phoebe’s Way, an aptly named road, as the preserve boasts a rich diversity of bird species, encompassing both forest and shore varieties. You may encounter wildlife such as white-tailed deer, porcupines, hares, ruby-crowned kinglets, and ospreys. In addition, the area is inhabited by at least twelve species of warblers and six types of woodpeckers, including the black-backed and pileated woodpeckers.
Vistas
The Big Woods segment of the hike ends at 0.9 miles as you come to Higgins Farm Road. Cross the road to the Fern Trail, which you can take to two different vistas of the bay.
The coastline features a rugged landscape, where gravel beaches are interspersed with prominent outcrops of Ellsworth schist, one of the two metamorphic rock types found in the preserve. Close to the main road, the underlying bedrock shifts to diorite.
Offshore, several ledges serve as popular sunbathing spots for harbor seals. While seal watching is a cherished pastime for many visitors, it is essential to approach this activity with caution. Use binoculars or a closer look at the seals that disturbing them by getting up close.
Near the shoreline, remnants of an old apple orchard can still be seen, adding a historical element to the hike.
After taking in the sites, return to the Big Woods Trail. You’ve now walked 1.3 miles total. Go right/southwest onto Higgins Farm Road. In about 200 feet is the Shore Trail, which heads right/west.
The Shore Trail goes to three different vistas of the bay; one of them is on a spur. Returning back to the Big Woods Trail, you’ll be up to 1.8 miles total of hiking. You can retrace your steps through the woods or walk Higgins Farm Road to the parking lot.
The preserve was donated to The Nature Conservancy in 1968 by Donald and Zelina Blagden. It had been their summer property for many years.
Pets are not allowed at the preserve. Residences surround the preserve, so be careful to not wander onto private property.
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