Just after the trail sets out from the parking lot it splits in two, to the east and to the south. The trails provide various routes for looping back to this point. The trail to the right leads to the Meadow Trail, which passes by the foundation of the old Cole Farm and through a field before reaching the shore. The Shore Trail travels 0.7 miles along the coastline with impressive views of Greenlaw Cove and Campbell Island along its length. Continuing to loop counter-clockwise, the Goldenthread Trail leaves the shoreline and travels 0.5 miles back to the trailhead. This loop is 1.5 miles. The Stonewall Trail and Great Oak Trail, bisecting the perimeter loop, offer additional hiking options.
A preserve brochure and trail map, as well as a self-guided nature tour of the Shore Acres Preserve, are available on the Island Heritage Trust website.
HISTORY
The bulk of the present-day Shore Acres preserve was purchased in 1836 by Joseph Smith Greenlaw from the Cole family, who held out a small plot from their original land grant. Both families continued to occupy the properties until the 1930s. A separate, small portion of the preserve was originally part of William Greenlaw's land – another early settler of Deer Isle. Around 1940, the Barter Lumber Company purchased much of what would become the preserve and cut over the area for pulpwood, and then sold 100 acres to the Hill Family.
GUIDELINES
Dogs are permitted on leash only from May 1 – September 30; dogs are permitted on leash or under voice control of owner October 1- April 30.
Hunting with care is permitted, in season. During hunting season, all visitors should wear blaze orange.
For more information, visit the Island Heritage Trust website, or contact:
Island Heritage TrustFrom ME-15 in Deer Isle, take a left on the Sunshine Road (across the street from Mill Pond Mobil). Drive 1.2 miles and bear left at the fork onto Greenlaw District Road. Continue 0.9 miles to the parking area on the right.
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