Beech Hill
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Location: Rockport
Protected: 2003 (by Conservation Easement 1987)
Acreage: 295
Description: The Beech Hill Preserve offers ready access to one of the most scenic and multi-faceted conservation properties in the western Penobscot Bay region. As the only bald hilltop in the area, Beech Hill is an extraordinary hiking, picnicking and birding destination that offers panoramic views of Penobscot Bay, the Camden hills and the St. George peninsula. The conservation program of this Preserve protects nearly 300 acres of land managed for grassland bird habitat, organic blueberry production, and scenic and historic preservation values.
Located approximately 1.5 miles from Rockport village, between Routes 1, 17 and 90, Beech Hill is a large hill dominated by open grassland habitat and a commercial organic blueberry operation. The open fields of the summit, capped by Beech Nut, a sod-roofed stone hut listed on the National Register of Historic Places, are visible from miles around. The lower portion of the Preserve is dominated by a mixed hardwood forest.
Originally protected by a conservation easement in 1986, the summit of Beech Hill was purchased in 2003 by Coastal Mountains Land Trust with support from the Land for Maine's Future program, the MBNA Foundation, and individuals who have long appreciated this dramatic and beautiful property.
Preserve Specific Use Guidelines:
1. Thank you for Staying On the Trail
Beech Hill's fields are managed for grassland bird habitat and organic blueberry production
2. Pick Blueberries only as part of annual free pick-your-own event
Coastal Mountains Land Trust runs a commercial organic blueberry farm to demonstrate farming practices and to help financially support the Preserve, please respect our fields.
Public Access Information:
Download Beech Hill Preserve Guide and Trail Map (354kb)
Photo Credit: Judy Berk