On the map above, Dodge Point is yellow; Zak Preserve is blue; River-Link Trail is red; Schmid Preserve is green.

This is a classic, and a stunner. The 521-acre preserve, with sandy and pebbly beaches, is a state park co-managed by the Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust. 

Several miles of trails and lovely footage along the Damariscotta River make this spot a favorite with local people, and consequently, there always seems to be several cars in the parking lot. There is a second parking lot farther south along River Road, if this parking lot is full. The connector trail from the second parking lot to the Dodge Point trail system is a bit steep and rocky.

You can also take a long walk from Dodge Point to Zak Preserve, roughly 6.7 miles, on the River-Link Trail.

Directions: From North: Take Newcastle exit off US Route 1 and turn left on Mills Road. Follow the road for 0.5 miles. At the stop sign, head straight following River Road for 2 miles. The parking lot and trailhead will be on your left. Additionally, there is another large parking lot a bit more than 0.5 miles farther along River Road, if you’re going south. This parking lot lies at the end of the long-distance River-Link Trail. You can also hike into Dodge Point Preserve from here if you cross the street (I haven’t hiked this connector trail yet, it’s just drawn on my map).