Now that December is here the days are getting shorter and cooler, but don’t let this deter you from taking to the woods for a hike on one of the area’s many land preserves. This past Sunday afternoon we traveled to East Boothbay for an enjoyable walk around Linekin Preserve and Burley Loop.

The 138-acre property is owned and maintained by the Boothbay Region Land Trust. BRLT manages a number of land trust properties in the Boothbay region. The trust really seems to go above and beyond in providing safe and enjoyable hiking. One of the first things we noticed were a pair of walking sticks hanging on the kiosk with signage indicating some sections of the trail were steep (and they are). The walking sticks are there for hikers to borrow and of course should be returned so others may also benefit from their use. Nice.

We started off around 1 p.m. on the main trail that years ago must have served as a road. Where the trail divided, we took the blue-blazed path that ran alongside a small creek. Flying overhead was a small flock of Canada geese. We stopped to take in the view at the overlook then continued onto Burley Loop that carried us eastward through towering pine trees before eventually turning north and back to the main trail.

Turning right carries you eastward again to Damariscotta River and the second scenic overlook.  Not quite halfway there, you’ll pass the yellow-blazed trail. From here the trail gradually runs uphill and brings you out to the river. At the overlook you’ll enjoy some fine views of the river and the ocean beyond. Almost directly across the river is Christmas Cove while further south is Heron Island. Looking northward you’ll see South Bristol on the far shore. The sky during our visit was crystal clear and robin egg blue. From the overlook, the path runs north above the river and is kind of steep. Take your time and stay on the beaten path which was dry most of the way on our visit. There are plenty of spots to stop and take pictures, and enjoy the views, which are really quite beautiful.

Before the trail loops its way back you’ll cross the preserve’s boundary and onto private property. The trail is open to the public thanks to the generosity of the landowner. Be respectful and stay on the trail marked BRLT. It soon runs westward uphill and across a gravel private road. Follow the white-blazed trail past a small round pond. Shortly you’ll see where the yellow trail you passed earlier links up on its opposite end.

As you might expect the sun is considerably lower in the western sky this time of year and by mid-afternoon had already started its downward slide. Remember when you’re hiking this time of year that darkness comes on quickly in the woods. It’s always a good idea to carry along a compass or a GPS unit. This is one hike where I wished I had brought along a pair of field glasses or binoculars. The entire trail system is about three miles and took us about 90 minutes to walk.

The Linekin Preserve is actually a part of Linekin Neck that includes Ocean Point on its southern point. On its western shore is Linekin Bay. The preserve was created from a gift of land from Ann and Walter Levison in 1994. The family kept their home here and visitors are asked to respect the family’s privacy. In 2006 Linda Burley gave the BRLT an abutting 43 acres in memory of her parents William and Lina Burley, hence the “Burley Loop.” Rules of the preserve are posted at the kiosk along with trail maps.

The Linekin Preserve and Burley Loop are 15.2 miles from the Davey Bridge in Wiscasset. Take Route 27 east to Boothbay. At the junction of state Route 96 (Ocean Point Road) go left. It’s at the traffic light by Hannaford’s. Drive 3.7 miles you’ll see the Linekin Preserve sign on your left, it’s 1.3 miles from Lobsterman’s Wharf.

For more information about this and other BRLT properties go to: www.bbrlt.org.