Happy Wanderers: Clark Island

Join Coastal Mountains Land Trust and Maine Health’s Community Health program for a Happy Wanderers Hike at Maine Coast Heritage Trust’s Clark Island Preserve.

For this month’s walk, we will focus more on observing nature sights and less on accomplishing mileage. We may wander a mile or less, depending on how many interesting birds, plants, and mammal signs we stop to admire. Maine Coast Heritage Trust’s exceptional Regional Stewardship Manager, Kirk Gentalen, will lead the hike and share his observations and stories of the island’s inhabitants.

Parking is very limited, so we will use the overflow parking .75 miles before you arrive at the island’s causeway. Rides will be provided to the trailhead. Please arrive 10 -15 minutes before the hike, to allow time to shuttle walkers to the trailhead.

Directions: From the junction of Route 1 and Route 131, east of downtown Thomaston, follow Route 131 south. Drive 5.3 miles and turn left onto Route 73. In 0.9 miles, bear right onto Clark Island Road. Continue until you see the welcoming faces of Maine Coast Heritage Trust, Coastal Mountains, and Community Health’s staff showing you where the overflow parking is! You will be shuttled to the causeway to minimize parking congestion by the Craignair Inn, which is located next to the island.

Bring: Water, tick and insect protection, and binoculars if you have them.

Registration: To register for this hike and view the full 2026 Happy Wanderers schedule, please visit MH Pen Bay and Waldo Hospital Events here.

Photo credit: Maine Coast Heritage Trust