Kittredge Brook Forest, Bar Harbor
In the center of Mount Desert Island, this expansive preserve is within a 2,000-acre block of protected land teeming with wildlife.
Kittredge Brook Forest is great for:
- Hiking – Explore nearly three miles of hiking trails that wind through dense forests, over low ridges, and by numerous wetlands, occasionally across private property and land owned by Acadia National Park.
- Birdwatching – Have your binoculars handy to catch a closer view of the many birds that call Kittredge Brook home. In fact, more than 60 species have been observed.
How to get there
Year-round access to the preserve during daylight hours is available parking near the tennis courts behind MDI High School, 1081 Eagle Lake Road, Bar Harbor.
Follow signs and walk around the west side of the running track and across the upper playing field to reach the trail network.
There is also seasonal access to one trailhead, between spring and fall, at the end of Bluff Road, which is off Norway Drive.
Please note that dogs are prohibited from MDI High School grounds, and are not allowed to enter or exit the preserve using the trailhead near the school.
For a complete map with legend and guidelines, click on the Printable Preserve Map above.
Notes on topography, flora, and fauna
Kittredge Brook Forest lies within a nearly 2000-acre undeveloped block on the north-central portion of Mount Desert Island—one of the largest tracts of open space on the island outside of Acadia National Park.
This 523-acre, mostly forested preserve is named for Kittredge Brook, which runs west through the conserved property. Flowing from a beaver pond, the stream channel bisects open wetlands and forested areas before reaching Babson Creek. The preserve’s wetlands, including numerous functioning vernal pools, provide ideal habitat for a wide diversity of plants and animals.
Among the animals calling Kittredge Brook Forest home are white-tailed deer, coyote, bobcat, otter, and snowshoe hare.
How Kittredge Brook Forest became open to the public
MCHT acquired the Kittredge Brook Forest in 2011, thanks to a bargain sale by the previous landowner and with support from generous donors and a North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) grant.
This place belongs to all of us. Help us take care of it!
Preserve information/guidelines
- No Camping Permitted
- No Fires Permitted
- Carry Out All Trash
- Including Human and Pet Waste and Toilet Paper
- Keep Pets Under Control
- No Dogs to Enter or Exit Preserve at MDI High School Trailhead
- Please Respect the Privacy of Preserve Neighbors
