Griggs Preserve is a haven for wildlife thanks to its tremendous natural resources. Trails wind through beautiful forestland to a scenic vista overlooking the Sheepscot River. There, look right towards the reversing falls at Sheepscot Village and left to the railroad bridge in Wiscasset.

The 56-mile Rockland Branch railway borders the property to the North. It was established by the Maine Central Railroad in 1901 to carry passengers from Brunswick to Rockland. The line is currently owned by the Central Maine and Quebec Railway and is used for freight trains. Downriver to the south, the old

"Iron Bridge" carried trains across the river from Moose Point, in Wiscasset, to Flying Point in Edgecomb; legend has it that Flying Point earned its name from the Native Americans who went there to hunt ducks and other migratory birds.

From Wiscasset: Take US-1 north. In 2 miles, turn left on Cochran Road. In 1.25 miles, turn left on Trails End Road. In 0.2 miles, park on the left.

From Damariscotta: Take US-1 south. In 5.6 miles, turn right onto Cochran Road. In 1.25 miles, turn left onto Trails End Road. In 0.2 miles, park on the left.

The White Shad Run Trail loops through huge white pines, stonewalls, rock outcrops, woodpecker hideouts, and even a porcupine den. As you hop over the babbling spring and walk alongside the railroad tracks, keep an eye out for deer, turkeys, raptors, porcupines, and pileated woodpeckers.

Along the Blue Heron Leg, a short loop off the main trail that continues along the river and overlooks a small pond teeming with wildlife, you might see and hear songbirds in the branches above.

The Red Salmon Loop goes around a bog and crosses a natural spring where ferns and mosses are abundant, and a carpet of wildflowers blooms in the spring.

The Maine TrailFinder website has a description and map of a hike at Griggs Preserve.