Indiantown Island

Indiantown is a 60-acre island in the Sheepscot River with great natural and historical significance. Boothbay Region Land Trust owns the northern half of the island and has permission from a private landowner to maintain a public trail to a scenic overlook on the southern side of the island.
Trail Activity
Hiking
Length
1.40 miles, Network
Difficulty
Moderate, Advanced
Town
Boothbay Harbor
Surface
Dirt/Forest Floor, Rock/Ledge
Pets
Permitted
Fees
No

Description

This 60-acre island lies at the northern end of Ebenecook Harbor in the Sheepscot River, not far from Boothbay Harbor. It was used extensively by Native Americans as evidenced by significant artifacts found during an archaeological dig conduced after Indiantown came under BRLT protection. Extensive shell middens were excavated as well as centuries old remains indicating that the island also became an important base for local fishermen in the colonial period. The island was used for farming in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Rachel Carson, who summered nearby, wrote of her particular love for this magical place and its abundant wildlife. Shore birds such as herons and ospreys, owls and eagles, songbirds, deer and small mammals make Indiantown their home.

Over the years there were occasional schemes for building a bridge to Indiantown from the mainland and creating a seasonal development. Fortunately an anonymous donor as well as other supporters made it possible in 1995 for BRLT to acquire the northern 27 acres. About the same time, BRLT was also granted an easement over the remaining southern 33 acres. The land trust established a 0.9 mile loop trail on the northern half actually owned by the organization, as well as an in-and out trail on the private owners’ portion of the island. Please respect their generosity in sharing their land and do not stray from the trails nor use their personal dock on the southwestern end of the island.

Other Information

The Boothbay Region Land Trust (BRLT) manages the preserve and has worked to preserve the scenic beauty of the Boothbay region since 1980 through conserving land for the benefit and enjoyment of the residents and visitors.

BRLT properties are open for quiet, low impact activities. When visiting this BRLT property, please observe the following rules:

  • Overnight camping and fires are not allowed.
  • Keep dogs within your sight and under control and carry out all litter.
  • Parties greater than 10 must obtain permission from BRLT first.
  • Commercial use is not permitted.

Trail Manager

Visit Boothbay Regional Land Trust online for more information and a printable map or contact:

Boothbay Region Land Trust

Boothbay Region Land Trust
PO Box 183
Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538
Phone: (207) 633-4818
brlt@bbrlt.org
View website

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Trail Tips

Leave What You Find
Respect natural resources, cultural and historic items, and wildlife by looking rather than touching.
Legend
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Trailhead Information

The island is accessible only by water via the Boothbay Region Land Trust dock on the northwestern end of the island. Boats can be launched at Knickercane Ramp off Barters Island Road and at the McKown Point Boat Launch. Canoes,kayaks, and dinghies can use the dock, and there is also a mooring for larger boats. GPS coordinates for the land trust’s dock are N43°51.823’W69°40.030’.

Click on a parking icon to get custom directions
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