Scott's Landing Preserve
An old island farm at the northern entry point of Deer Isle — meadows, native blueberry fields, an aspen grove, and a shingle beach on Eggemoggin Reach. One of the best birding spots on the island in the early morning. No dogs, which keeps it quiet.
Scott's Landing is where William Eaton established his homestead in 1762, and where the island's main ferry landing operated from 1792 until the bridge opened in 1939. That history is embedded in the landscape: the milk house still stands, as does a barn foundation and an old hayfield with a diked salt marsh near the shore. Shell mounds from Wabanaki occupation — the preserve sits adjacent to the indigenous fishing site known as K'chistimokan'gan, "The Great Fish Weir" — date back 3,000 years and are visible on the property.
Island Heritage Trust purchased the 24 acres in 2006 with assistance from Maine Coast Heritage Trust. The 1.0-mile trail system runs through woodland, open meadow, native blueberry fields, and down to a shingle beach on Eggemoggin Reach. The beach looks across to the Deer Isle Bridge from its natural vantage. An aspen grove near the old farm site is worth finding.
The preserve is rated Easy to Moderate with Hard accessibility — good for families with older children. The IHT website specifically notes it as "one of the island's best birding spots" if visited in early morning. Chestnut-sided Warblers, Common Yellowthroat, Song Sparrows, and Ospreys are among the noted species. Bald Eagles nest on nearby Carney Island across the causeway.
What Visitors Say
"Came from NJ and went camping in Stonington. Was amazing experience for the kids to go searching for snails, crab and lobster parts, shells and wildflowers. Totally need to stop at the beach and enjoy a good hour or two at least."
"Grat place for kids or older adults. Beautiful view of Eggamond Reach. Paths are hid and cut through the fields. Saw fox hunting mice in the field."
"Nice stop on the way top/from Stonington past the causeway. Easy walk to the water through the woods."
Local Tips
- Early morning on weekdays for the best birding — the open meadow and shrubby field edges are the most active areas.
- Directions: from the Deer Isle Bridge southbound, drive 1.8 miles on Route 15, crossing the causeway. Preserve entrance is on the left, opposite Causeway Beach.
- No dogs — enforced by IHT.
- The native blueberry fields are excellent in late July.
- Bring binoculars. The meadow edge and beach together cover a lot of habitat in a short walk.
Connected To
- Historic Deer Isle Suspension Bridge — visible from the shingle beach; the bridge and causeway are the immediate geographic context
- Lily Pond Park — a short drive south on Route 15; good swimming complement after a morning bird walk
- Bridge End Park — just north across the causeway on Little Deer Isle