It's been a long time since I've been up Boothbay Harbor way. Even longer since I've allowed myself to get caught in summer weekend traffic on Route 1 as it squeezes through Wiscasset.

But last Saturday it was totally worthwhile, and an adventure I so recommend if you're looking for yet another spot with great hiking and quiet trails.

You'll certainly find both on the diverse and scenic paths of the Boothbay Region Land Trust, which has at least 16 distinct preserves of varying acreage on the Boothbay peninsula.

After a few miles of "navigational difficulties," during which I actually did stop and ask where the "monument" was (everything seems to be waymarked from it), I found the Oven's Mouth Preserve.

The 146-acre preserve comprises the tips of two peninsulas on the Oven's Mouth River connected by a footbridge. I struck out to the west through the forest and along a salt marsh, intent on the complete 5-mile loop tracing the preserve's outer edges.

Boothbay Region Land Trust trail marker.
Photo by Carey Kish

Hiking along the Oven's Mouth River, Edgecomb.
Photo by Carey Kish

It was terrific walking! At the river docks occasionally jutted from the shore, cottages tucked into the thick trees above. Several lobster boats plied the quick waters, eddying out occasionally to check pots.

I crossed the long bridge onto the eastern peninsula and soon after came upon a harbor seal playfully floating along, snorting. I sat down on a bench (one of several placed throughout at scenic spots) and watched and enjoyed.

Circling around I recrossed the bridge and headed up the rugged inside edge of the western peninsula. As I climbed, three scenic vistas, one after another, opened up to my left revealing a long look down the salt marsh below.

Foot bridge connecting the east and west peninsulas of the Oven's Mouth Preserve.
Photo by Carey Kish

Salt marsh view, Oven's Mouth Preserve.
Photo by Carey Kish

Next stop was the Gregory Hiking Trail, which I found with less difficulty.

Photo by Carey Kish

It's a one-mile loop trail that hugs the Back River. There's numerous places to break out onto the shore and explore among the rocks and seaweed. I loved poking around the old boat washed up on the rocks mid-way along, it's wooden hull now weathered gray.

Along the East River, Gregory Hiking Trail, Boothbay.
Photo by Carey Kish

Old boat beached on the East River, Gregory Hiking Trail.
Photo by Carey Kish

The day's final hike was to Penny Lake. There's a wide ADA trail that cuts through the preserve and enables the less physically able to get out enjoy nature.

Walking the trail to Penny Lake, Boothbay Harbor.
Photo by Carey Kish

I walked the length of the trail and back, then looped around again on the preserve's narrow footpaths. The bridge crossing the creek that drains what's left of Penny Lake is a lovely spot, as is the bench placed in the high field. Facing west, it's a perfect place to watch the sun go down. Something to consider on another visit.

View over Penny Lake, Penny Lake Preserve.
Photo by Carey Kish

Wholly satisfied with the day's walking (thanks Boothbay Region Land Trust!) I trundled into Boothbay Harbor and played tourist, walking the streets amid the shops and gawking at the beautiful harbor. That is, until the Pier 1 Pub caught my eye. A couple of slices of pretty damn good pizza and a couple of cold pints of Fisherman's Brew and all was definitely well with this hiker's world.

Evening in Boothbay Harbor.
Photo by Carey Kish

Check out the trails of the Boothbay region. Make a day of it. You'll absolutely love it! And do let me know how it goes...

Have you already discovered the sweet trails around Boothbay? Which ones?