Take a dog friendly hike through centuries of history at Witherle Woods in Castine, Maine. Before Europeans vied for control of Castine, the history of Witherle Woods Preserve goes back even farther to prehistoric times when Native Americans used what is now known as Witherle Hill as a camp to dry their fish. You can hike to this point on a trail network that has been in continuous use for over 200 years, on artillery roads created during the British occupation of this land during the War of 1812. It is here that the Massachusetts militia landed somewhere between Dyce Head and Blockhouse Point during the Penobscot Expedition in their failed attempt to regain control of nearby Fort George during the American Revolution. It is also on this site, that during the 1600s the French used this area for a trading post, fort, mission, and grazing area. It is thanks to the preserve’s namesake, George Witherle, that we can enjoy these trails trails today, due to his vision to preserve this historic area with carriage trails for summer visitors starting in the 1870s.
Today Witherle Woods consists of 183 acres with approximately 6.5 miles of trails ranging from easy to moderate. The peninsula’s highest point is 218 feet above sea level, and provides scenic views of Penobscot Bay. On the day we visited, we hiked up the main trail to the kiosk, and then took a right to follow Battle Avenue Trail to Blockhouse Point. Along that trail there are signs marking key installations built during the American Revolution and the War of 1812. The trail leads you to a short spur that rises to the Lookout, a vantage point from which British troops occupying Castine watched for enemy forces approaching on Penobscot Bay. From there the main trail continues past more earthwork features to Indian Trail, which parallels Penobscot Bay, and offers occasional scenic views through the trees and vegetation. At the trail junction, we turned left and followed the signs back to the kiosk to make an interesting loop through history.
Dogs are allowed under owner’s control. Witherle Woods Preserve is maintained by the Maine Coastal Heritage Trust. It is located off of Battle Avenue on Woodside Way in Castine, Maine. Look for the signs. Parking is available along the fence, and please do not block the gate. To extend your visit, we recommend stopping to visit Fort George on your way to Witherle Woods, and bringing a picnic to enjoy at Fort Madison after your hike. For more recommendations, please visit our Dog Friendly Places page.
