Thorne Head Preserve

Thorne Head Preserve is a 96-acre (39 ha)[1] property administered by Kennebec Estuary Land Trust (KELT), located at the extreme end of High Street in north Bath, Maine, which includes half a mile of shoreline alongside Whiskeag Creek and the Kennebec River.

The wildlife and nature preserve forms one end of the Whiskeag Trail and as such provides a trailhead kiosk with maps and rules and parking for about a dozen vehicles although there are no toilet or picnic facilities.

In 1640, land was deeded to the first European settlers, and from here white pine logs were exported back to England to provide wood for shipbuilding the King's Navy.

In 1998, KELT began the process of purchasing the property and in April 2000 Thorne Head Preserve officially opened and became part of the Whiskeag Trail.

[11] The preserve protects over half a mile (0.8 km) of shoreline on both the Kennebec River and Whiskeag Creek.

[12] It is possible on the trails to see deer, fox, raccoons and mink as well as various wild birds such as owls, bald eagles and migrating warblers.

There are several vernal pools located throughout the preserve, containing wood frogs (Lithobates sylvaticus) and the blue-spotted salamander (Ambystoma laterale), both of which are considered to be 'obligate' species.

The Overlook Trail runs roughly north from the trailhead and ends at the 'Mushroom Cap', a stone sculpture approximately a 10-minute walk (0.5 miles/0.8km).

It is narrower and more overgrown than the Overlook Trail and requires negotiating some stepped-rock, large tree roots and boulders.