Coastal Journal from Bath, Maine • P13

January 10, 2019 a a a 13 A Hike Across Green Point Preserve, West Bath We welcomed in 2019 by visiting the Green Point Preserve, another of the properties managed by the Bath-based Kennebec Estuary Land Trust. Not long ago, Carrie Kinne, executive director, suggested I check out this 45-acre forested preserve locat- ed in nearby West Bath. She described it as a nice walk that was not very long or difficult. It ends at Winnegance Bay. As it was, a fresh coating of snow clung to the trees and blanketed the ground when we visited.

The snow covering the trail had a fine granular texture akin to powdered sugar. Be- cause it been packed down, it could be walked on with ease with lit- tle chance of slipping. The trail, surrounded on both sides by towering pine trees, twists over a hilly terrain; its highest point is about 100 feet. The alpine green branches hanging overhead made a nice contrast against the blue sky and white snow. This path once served as road; still wide in places and easily followed.

It carries you gradually up and over a small ridge, twists again and brings you out to a point of land overlooking Cove on Winnegance Bay. The New Meadows River lies beyond. believed the name Winnegance comes from the Native American word mean- ing In their brochure, KELT notes that Cove is where Native Americans once carried their canoes across a narrow strip of land to reach Winnegance Creek and the Kennebec River at Doubling Point. Access to Green Point Preserve is by a deeded right of way from the trail- head off Birch Point Road. Small di- amond-shaped KELT signage marks where the preserve begins.

The trail were avail- able at the a rock carving as a point of interest. find it on the ground cut into the ledge overlooking the water not far from where the trail ends. It appears to be an anchor with the letter below it. Green Point Preserve has just this one trail leading into and out of it. Judging by tracks in the snow it appears to be a favorite place for people to bring their dogs for the 15 to 20-minute trek to the water.

If never taken a winter walk in the woods, missing out some- thing special. Pick a day when the sun is shining brightly and the wind blowing too hard. Dress warmly, wear a good pair of insulated hiking boots and carry along a pair of ice cleats just in case. Mid-morning is a good time to start because by 1 p.m., the sun has already begun its downward slide to- wards the horizon. Green Point Preserve is open from dawn to dusk.

Dogs are welcome but must be leashed. For more informa- tion, kennebecesturary.org. Phil Di Vece is a Coastal Journal con- tributor. He can be reached at roadrunner.com. Photo by Phil Di Vece Green Point Preserve in West Bath.

IF YOU GO From Bath, follow Route 209 to the Winnegance Store; bear right onto High Street, which eventually becomes Campbell Pond Road. Just past Campbell Pond Road turn right onto Birch Point Road. A mile down the road on the left see a ki- osk and parking area. Be advised that the parking lot slopes a bit and plowed. CBD Oil Products and Alternative Medicine LOOKING FOR HIGH QUALITY CBD AFFORDABLE? CALL 207-350-2371 Westport Island CBD Oil And Products Join us January 20th Black and White featuring Wet Felting by Susan Mills Winter Hours: Thurs Sat.

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