Squeezed between the Sheepscot and Sasanoa Rivers, about 13 miles south of Wiscasset, this preserve contains in its compact dimensions no less than six ecological zones – tidal inlets, old-growth forest, freshwater marsh, riparian areas, an estuary and a salt marsh. The 68-acre preserve is managed by the Kennebec Estuary Land Trust to primarily benefit wildlife, but there are trails for public use and enjoyment. To get here, take ME 144 south to its second intersection with West Shore Road.
Bonyun Preserve
Midcoast Maine
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
Maine Maritime Museum
5.04 MILES
There's a palpable mix of reflective nostalgia and horizon-scanning adventure at this wonderful museum, which preserves the Kennebec's long shipbuilding…
Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens
2.89 MILES
These magnificent gardens are one of the state's most popular attractions. The verdant waterfront kingdom has 270 acres, with groomed trails winding…
La Verna Preserve
12.1 MILES
This forested nature reserve is pretty compact, but within its confines there are 2.5 miles of trails and some 3600ft of shoreline. This waterfront is…
Dodge Point Preserve
11.02 MILES
Some 500 acres of land, once managed as a tree farm, now constitute a lovely slice of preserved red pine woods and breezy riparian shorescapes. Four easy…
Bowdoin College
12.45 MILES
Bowdoin, established in 1794, is one of the oldest colleges in the US and the alma mater of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Nathaniel Hawthorne and US…
Popham Beach State Park
10.32 MILES
This 6-mile-long sandy stretch is one of the prettiest in the state, with views of offshore islands and the Kennebec and Morse Rivers framing either end…
Pemaquid Lighthouse Park
10.94 MILES
Perched dramatically on top of the rocks in Pemaquid Lighthouse Park is the 11,000-candlepower Pemaquid Point Light, built in 1827, which was featured on…
Reid State Park
6.52 MILES
The highlights of this forested park include the rocky promontory of Griffith Head, and the long, windswept stretch of Mile and Half Mile Beaches – rare…
Nearby Midcoast Maine attractions
1. Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens
2.89 MILES
These magnificent gardens are one of the state's most popular attractions. The verdant waterfront kingdom has 270 acres, with groomed trails winding…
2. Knickerbocker Lake
3.21 MILES
If you're in need of a dip and the waters of Boothbay Harbor feel a little too frigid, head to this swimming hole, where the water is…well, also cold, but…
3. Boothbay Harbor Footbridge
4.94 MILES
A pedestrian footbridge links two sides of Boothbay Harbor, and is a popular spot for a simple, quiet stroll and a selfie in front of all the boats. In…
4. Maine Maritime Museum
5.04 MILES
There's a palpable mix of reflective nostalgia and horizon-scanning adventure at this wonderful museum, which preserves the Kennebec's long shipbuilding…
5. Boothbay Railway Village
5.16 MILES
Ride the narrow-gauge steam train through this endearing village, a historic replica of an old-fashioned New England town. The 28 buildings house more…
6. Reid State Park
6.52 MILES
The highlights of this forested park include the rocky promontory of Griffith Head, and the long, windswept stretch of Mile and Half Mile Beaches – rare…
7. Linekin & Burley Preserves
6.88 MILES
These two adjacent protected spaces encompass some 140 acres of forested Maine prettiness, situated on a windy stretch of lovely, gravel-studded…
8. Fort Edgecomb State Historic Site
8.59 MILES
This octagonal fort was built around 1808–9 to 'protect' Wiscasset, then a major shipbuilding center and port. In many ways, the fort's guns were actually…