The entire trail system spans two properties, Peters Brook and Penny's Preserve. Peters Brook and its associated branches drain the uplands east of Blue Hill village into Peter’s Cove, which is part of Blue Hill Bay.
There are two trailheads along ME-176 by which to access the trail network. To the west, the Peters Brook Trail leads north through the woods before reaching a junction. From the junction, the 3 Bridges Trail heads to the left, reaching small but enchanting waterfall after 0.3 miles. Continuing straight ahead (to the right) from the junction, the Peters Brook Trail meets up with the Penny's Preserve trail network in 0.3 miles.
From the Penny's Preserve trailhead further to the east, there are a number of mostly wooded loop trails of varying distances. The Quarry Loop, closest to the trailhead at the south end of the network, loops 0.6 miles and traverses historic granite quarries. Continuing north about 0.3 miles along either the East Side Trail or West Side Trail, the trails meet up with the 0.8 mile North Loop Trail. A circumnavigation of Penny's Preserve would make for a loop with a total distance of 2.5 miles.
GUIDELINES
AB HERRICK MEMORIAL LANDING, PETERS COVE
Blue Hill Heritage Trust owns a small shore-front lot between the East Blue Hill Road and Peters Cove. Though less than an acre, this property provides a historic public access point to the waters of Blue Hill Bay on Peters Cove. The landing is a combination of sandy beach and rocky shoreline and is suitable for launching kayaks or other small boats that can be carried down to the water. It is a great swimming spot at mid to high tide!
For additional information, visit the Blue Hill Heritage Trust website, or contact:
From the village of Blue Hill, head east on ME-176. From the intersection with ME-172 (Ellsworth Road) at the east end of the village, it is 0.6 miles to the Peters Brook trailhead parking, and 0.9 miles to the Penny's Preserve trailhead parking. To access the Peters Brook trailhead, please park in the AB Herrick Memorial Landing on the right. The trailhead is 0.1 miles beyond, across the stream and on the opposite (north) side of the street. Parking for the Penny's Preserve trailhead is 0.25 miles further down ME-176, on the left side of the road, with parking available at the trailhead.
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