Marsh River Trails, Newcastle

Roxy investigates the marsh

I've driven Route 1 thousands of times between Damariscotta and Wiscasset never imagining what lay behind the trees on either side. I'm just that kind of girl.

Today we learned that the 3.9 mile Marsh River, which links the remains of Sherman Lake with the Sheepscot River, is a wild tidal estuary just west of the highway. It's an important refuge for wading and shore birds, though we didn't see any today. (And I'm sure the dog had nothing to do with it.) We were hiking the Marsh River Preserve, a 70 acre SVCA property with a mile-long trail winding through woods and along the river. It's beautiful, close to home, and highly recommended.

Turkey tail mushrooms

The SVCA has installed markers along the way calling attention to important details, information on which is included with the trail map. Susie served as our hiking dramaturge, providing interpretive readings as we gathered at each marker. Regina is the resident plant expert. Today she pointed out tiny teaberry leaves, a ground cover that smells like wintergreen and gave its name to Clark's Teaberry Gum, and turkey tail mushrooms growing on a log. 

Rattlesnake plantain

At one of the interpretive markers we all got a lesson on rattlesnake plantain, a tiny orchid with leaves marked like snakeskin. 

We were shocked on emerging from the woods to learn that the Boston Marathon had been marred by bombing, death, and injury. The beautiful day turned sad indeed.

The Marsh River Trails provide opportunities to explore the margins of the Marsh River and associated salt marshes. These easy trails take the visitor to scenic overlooks of the marsh. 0.9 miles, Newcastle.