Perry Creek Conservation Area
View of Long Cove from Fox Rocks
Perry Creek Conservation Area Brochure
About 600 acres.
11 trails totaling 6 miles.
Diverse landforms and habitats surrounding a mile-long tidal creek; elevated panoramic views; largest block of protected land on Vinalhaven; excellent opportunities to watch birds and other wildlife.
In the 1980’s, some visionary families could see that this pristine spot, visited and enjoyed since the time of the Red Paint people, was likely to be cut in smaller pieces and sold, with huge homes and no trespassing signs to follow. Their work eventually resulted in this preserve, and the formation of the Vinalhaven Land Trust.
Foot traffic only. Stay on marked trails to minimize potential tick contact. Dogs are allowed, but please keep them leashed.
Andrew W. Smith Preserve
These trails (2.75 miles total) exist through the generosity of the landowner upon whose land it has been cleared. Please keep to the trails; the public’s privilege to use them will exist only so long as it is not abused.
Fox Rocks Trail
Indian Ladder Trail
South Shore Trail
Moorings Trail
Directions: From the ferry terminal, go left on Sands Road for 0.4 miles, then right on Old Harbor Road for 0.3 miles, then bearing slightly left onto North Haven Road for 5 miles (bearing left at the fork with Calderwood Neck Road). The parking area for Middle Mountain Town Park is on the left. The Indian Ladder and Fox Rocks trails start across the street.
North Perry Creek Preserve
These 150 acres of woods and wetland were the catalyst for founding Vinalhaven Land Trust. Once partly burned over, the land now supports a variety of flora and the wildlife dependent upon it. The Roy Dyer Trail makes a loop from North Haven Road to Perry Creek. It can also be followed around the head of the creek to Indian Ladder Falls. The Falls path, in turn, can be taken out to the road at Middle Mountain Park.
Roy Dyer Trail
Round the Rocks Trail
Scenic Loop
Ridge Trail Loop
Ridge Trail Loop
Midcreek Trail
North Shore Trail
Orchard Cove Loop
Directions: From the Middle Mountain parking area, drive another 2 miles; the North Perry Creek parking area is on your right.
History
Perry Creek fall colors, photo by Sherry Rega.
The Perry Creek Conservation Area might well be called "the cradle of VLT," because the work of a few visionaries to conserve the wild lands surrounding this tidal creek almost thirty years ago is what helped lead to the formation of Vinalhaven Land Trust. Because of their efforts, and those of others like them, the entire north side of Perry Creek - five large properties, comprising well over 300 acres - has been preserved to offer visitors a pristine snapshot of the entire region's ecosystem. Their accomplishments were augmented in 1991, when VLT was granted a conservation easement and public access rights to over 290 acres of land on the south side of the creek, the Andrew W. Smith Preserve.
Natural Resources
Perry Creek, photo by Sheri Romer
The Perry Creek complex is a great place for serious hikers and birders to plan a half or full-day outing. From the parking lot near the northern end of the North Haven Road, hikers can access seven different trails that collectively cover roughly three miles of diverse habitats. But there’s more, because at the head of Perry Creek you can cross over to the Andrew W. Smith Preserve, or as some call it, “Fox Rocks.” Here, another three miles of looped trails await you. For the truly inspired hiker, from the parking lot at the southwest end of these one can connect to the Middle Mountain Trail and hike to the scenic summit of this town-owned park.
Every season brings abundant opportunities for nature study here. In summer and fall, more than 285 species of native plants can be seen, including edible wild blueberries and huckleberries, with spectacular glades of hay-scented fern turning yellow and gold in October. Winter brings tracks of all kinds: deer, otter, mink, raccoon, snowshoe hare, squirrel, mice, and others. Nesting great horned owls and sea ducks, both resident and migrant, are seen as the season draws to a close. In spring, the woods come alive with vernal pools, wildflowers, and warblers, and the ospreys and eagles return to Perry Creek.
You don’t need to be a naturalist to enjoy these preserves. Photographers, artists, and everyday sightseers will enjoy the assorted vignettes and panoramas that unfold along the trails. As one visitor to the preserve wrote, “This island’s commitment to preserving public space is… perhaps the greatest testimony to its uniqueness and wisdom.”
