Ingersoll Point Preserve: A Quiet Coastal Hike in Addison, Maine
Downeast Maine hides some of the state's most peaceful corners, and Ingersoll Point Preserve in Addison is a perfect example. This quiet 145-acre patch of forest and shoreline lets you wander through classic Maine spruce woods to the edge of the sea, far from any crowds. For hikers who love wild, unspoiled coast, it is a small gem worth seeking out.
Where Is Ingersoll Point?
Ingersoll Point Preserve is a 145-acre property in the town of Addison, in Washington County, Downeast Maine, cared for by the Downeast Coastal Conservancy. It sits on a wooded point between Carrying Place Cove and Wohoa Bay, and its remote location has helped it keep a timeless, quiet pine-coast character. The preserve is free and open to the public year-round during daylight hours.
The Trails
A 3.5-mile network of four short trails — none longer than about 1.3 miles — crisscrosses the preserve and converges at the Point, giving access to some 1.6 miles of wild shoreline. Walking the loops takes about one to two hours. The main routes are:
- Adler Woods Trail (blue blazes, about 1.3 miles) — the main path through the forest to the shore.
- Carrying Place Cove Trail (red and pink blazes, about 1 mile) — branches off at a big boulder called Polypody Rock and heads north to the cove.
- Wohoa Bay Trail — splits off at a bog bridge and opens onto the beach at Wohoa Bay.
- Moss Trail (green blazes, 0.3 mile) — a short, scenic connector through woods rich in mosses and lichens.
Bog bridges carry you over the wet spots, and the trails are well marked, making this an easy and rewarding walk for most abilities.
A Maritime Forest Full of Life
Much of Ingersoll Point is spruce-fir maritime forest, with pockets of cinnamon-fern forest and even a spruce-larch wooded bog. Naturalists have identified around 190 plant species here, and the mix of woods, bog, and shoreline makes it a wonderful place for birding and nature study. The soft carpet of moss underfoot and the scent of spruce and salt air give the preserve its distinctive Downeast feel.
Visiting the Preserve
The trailhead and parking are located behind the Union Church on Mooseneck Road in Addison — the preserve is well signed once you find it, though the Downeast back roads are part of the adventure. Come prepared for the Maine woods with sturdy shoes, water, and insect repellent in the warmer months, and mind the tides along the shore. If you enjoy this kind of quiet coastal walking, the conservancy's nearby Machias River Preserve makes a great companion trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Ingersoll Point Preserve?
It is a 145-acre preserve in Addison, Washington County, Downeast Maine, on a wooded point between Carrying Place Cove and Wohoa Bay, managed by the Downeast Coastal Conservancy.
How long are the trails at Ingersoll Point?
There are about 3.5 miles of trails made up of four short routes, none longer than roughly 1.3 miles, that meet at the Point. Walking them takes about one to two hours.
Is Ingersoll Point Preserve free to visit?
Yes. The preserve is free and open to the public year-round during daylight hours, with parking behind the Union Church on Mooseneck Road in Addison.
What will I see at Ingersoll Point?
Spruce-fir maritime forest, mossy woods, a wooded bog, about 1.6 miles of wild shoreline, and abundant birds and plants — around 190 plant species have been recorded here.