Smelt Brook Preserve

There are few kayaking excursions that evoke the true coastal nature of southeastern Maine than the Smelt Brook Preserve in York, Maine. While this 292-acre York Land Trust-owned preserve is not yet accessible by land (it is so new that walking trails have yet to be developed for this property), it can be experienced by water via kayak or canoe from the bridge on Scotland Bridge Road in York (near 25 Scotland Bridged Road). After a half mile of upstream paddling along the wide York River, kayakers bear right for a dramatic change in scenery. The water route immediately narrows as kayakers find themselves on the Smelt Brook, surrounded by expansive, open plains of sea grass and marsh plants waving in the breeze. The steady hum of offshore winds combines with sights of cormorants, herons and other sea birds for welcome immersion in a vibrant yet serene coastal ecosystem.