Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
The Blue Hill Heritage Trust (BHHT) lands encompass over 8,000 acres of conserved forest, wetlands, and coastline across the Blue Hill Peninsula in Hancock County, Maine. This network of preserved properties, established and expanded since the early 1980s, represents one of the largest areas of protected open space in coastal Maine. The terrain is marked by forested hills, dramatic rocky shorelines along Blue Hill Bay, numerous rivers, streams, and wetlands that support diverse wildlife habitats. The ecological diversity includes mixed hardwood and coniferous forests as well as rare coastal ecosystems, making it valuable for birdwatching, moose and deer sightings, and plant research. Historically, the peninsula was home to Native American communities and later saw European settlement focused on timber and fishing; today, BHHT works to maintain both natural and cultural heritage.
Visitors can explore over 50 miles of maintained trails that traverse ridgelines like Blue Hill Mountain and Little Haystack as well as access quiet coves and salt marshes. Popular pursuits include hiking, trail running, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, kayaking along sheltered bays, and wildlife photography. Notable landmarks include the Blue Hill Mountain summit which offers panoramic views of Penobscot Bay, the Shipyard Trails complex popular for mountain biking, and the historic Nichols Arboretum. BHHT's efforts not only enable outdoor recreation but also apply conservation easements and educational programs, making the lands an important resource for both residents and tourists seeking natural beauty and active experiences in coastal Maine.
