The land can be tracked all the way back to Jonathan Heath who originally built the neighboring red cottage, which is the second oldest house in Whitefield. Throughout the years the land that is now preserved was used for both forestry and agriculture. Look for the network of stone walls and old stumps throughout the preserve.

Before conservation, Ann Marie and Denis Maguire created trails from their house over to Weary Pond. The Maguires were also inspired by the Arnold Expedition to Quebec and the hardship of portaging along the upper Kennebec. From this, they dreamed of creating a water trail from Weary Pond to the Sheepscot River and out to the ocean.

From Waldoboro: Take ME-32 North. In 9.5 miles turn onto ME-126 west. In 6 miles turn left onto ME-218 south and immediately turn left onto Hilton Road in 1.3 miles turn right onto Health Road In 1.2 miles the preserve will be on your left.

From Wiscasett: Take MEE-218 north. In 12.3 miles turn right onto Heath Road in 1.6 miles the preserve will be on your right.

At the beginning of the trail, you will find yourself in dense woods originally planted by the Maguires to give themselves some privacy. As you make your way down the trail you will find yourself in a mixed wood forest with a beautiful stream and waterfall caused by an old beaver’s dam. From here you will meander over ledges, beside glacial erratics, and eventually come to a scenic wetland vista. The bog is full of wild blueberries, Cotton Grass, larger Blue Flag Iris, and Wild Calla Lilies. Once you cross the discontinued Weary Pond Road you will end up at the final lollipop of the trail. This loop takes you to the scenic Weary Pond where the pond and marshland meet. It is a beautiful place to take a dip along the cat-tailed lined shore.

If you walk quietly you can find mink playing in the stream, or hear chickadees and woodpeckers in the trees. There is evidence of deer throughout the forest with the occasional evidence of moose. While hiking on the trail keep your eyes open for small mammals, little tree frogs, and in fall, an abundance of dragonflies near the bog and pond.

The Maine By Foot website has a description and map of a hike at Maguire Preserve.