Favorite Beaches: Rachel Carson Salt Pond Preserve

Tucked into a quiet little cove just east of New Harbor on Route 32 is the Rachel Carson Salt Pond Preserve. What's not to love with the salty air, ocean blue views, wading (or diving!), creatures, rocks--the Maine coast! It is named for Rachel Carson, a scientist, environmentalist, and influential writer, who had a home in Southport, two peninsulas south. She researched the ocean (including at this very salt pond) and the negative affects of DDT. Her books and articles changed views on the ocean and conservation and effectively helped to see DDT banned.

There are other places in Maine with her name attached to it, but this one was dedicated to her in 1970 after the area was donated to the Maine chapter of the Nature Conservancy, which she helped start, in the 1960s. It wasn't until recently that I learned there are wooded trails on the other side of the road, but I have not had a chance to explore those yet. 

The salt pond at low tide.

From the rocky beach is a view of the ocean, peninsulas on either side, and the large tidal pond for exploration. It's not a big area or marked by a parking lot or large sign. If you blink you might miss it as trees and roses edge the road obscuring the view of it, although after it in either direction are ocean views, cottages, and rocky beaches more visible from your car, and to me they are quintessential Maine. Parking is along the road. Its not the most accessible place for all. There are steps over the embankment to the beach where you can sit and ponder, listen to the waves, stick your toes in the water, hum to a hermit crab or snail, look for sea treasures, or build a rock cairn. 

This season's visits have included foggy and sunny days as seen in my photos, wading, looking for pretty rocks, and breathing in the salt-laden air. Summer in Maine is the best time to visit the ocean.

Read more about Rachel Carson's legacy on the Nature Conservancy page. 

The Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge in Wells, York County (more south), is also a beautiful natural environment open to visitors. 

Triptyph of the salt pond and rocky beach.