Lisa Tolman Wotton Preserve
Forty-two acres of Little Deer Isle with a northern white cedar swamp, 2.6 miles of trails, and Spinney Ledge — a rocky knoll with views of Penobscot Bay through the trees. The preserve is named for a beloved family member buried on the property. Donated in 2017, it's still relatively uncrowded.
The Lisa Tolman Wotton Preserve was donated to Island Heritage Trust in 2017 by a family who wanted their land preserved for public use. They named it in honor of Lisa Tolman Wotton, a family member buried on the property. That combination of personal history and landscape conservation is woven into the place itself.
The 2.6-mile trail system offers several loop options: the 1.4-mile Blaster Loop, a 1.6-mile loop with the Big Pine addition, a 1.1-mile Spinney Trail loop leading to Spinney Ledge, and a 0.6-mile Black Brook out-and-back. The terrain is wooded hills and ravines with a northern white cedar swamp — the cedar groves are notable, described as remarkable in trail resources. Spinney Ledge is a high rocky knoll with partial views of Penobscot Bay through the trees; a lookout rather than a panoramic summit.
A hand-carry beach on Blastow Cove is accessible from the trail system — good for a kayak or canoe launch. An old field on the property marks a former homestead site. Streams, springs, and wetlands add to the habitat diversity.
The preserve is on Little Deer Isle, accessed via Blastow Cove Road off Eggemoggin Road from the bridge area.
What Visitors Say
"This little trail system is clearly a labor of love in the community. The woodland is beautiful and the trails are well marked. I didn't encounter any other people even on Saturday morning of Labor Day weekend, so it was very quiet and full of wildlife. Great for birding. The elevation change is gentle, nothing strenuous. There aren't any scenic viewpoints, but it's beautiful as it is. The trail has lots of roots and stones, so watch your step and consider trekking poles if that's an issue. Also bring bug spray to keep ticks at bay, because there's a lot of undergrowth overhanging the trail. I'd consider it a nature walk rather than a hike; I was able to put in around three miles. It's definitely worth a few hours of your time if you're in the area."
"So much fun with diffrent trails to try"
"Small parking area for ~5 cars. Moderately difficult trails lead through some really cool areas, including a bridge over a stream, long grasslands, a rocky overlook, and dense tree areas."
Local Tips
- The Spinney Trail loop (1.1 miles) is the most direct route to the best views — a reasonable first visit option.
- Dogs are allowed but leashed May 1 through September 30; voice control allowed October through April.
- The cedar swamp sections are wet; waterproof boots are useful year-round.
- The hand-carry beach on Blastow Cove is a quiet put-in for small boats.
Connected To
- Pine Hill Preserve — also on Little Deer Isle, right off Blastow Cove Road/Eggemoggin Road; the serpentine geology is a quick add-on
- Historic Deer Isle Suspension Bridge — the bridge is the landmark reference point for getting to Little Deer Isle
- Bridge End Park — the parking pull-off right after crossing the bridge, with historical context