The access is a bit off the beaten path: the driveway is a rough gravel road that can be a bit dispiriting for drivers of low-clearance vehicles.

The 362-acre preserve contains a mosaic of different natural communities, most in various stages of regeneration. Upland forest remnants are dominated by oak-pine and white pine-mixed conifer forest types. Low-lying areas support several wetland community types, including spruce-larch wooded bog, mountain holly-alder shrub swamp, and red maple fen and swamp. The wetland types frequently blend into one another and collectively cover about 25% of the preserve. Open granite ledges surround much of the bog, and these are dominated by huckleberry, sheep laurel, and an abundance of blueberries.

Visitors who make the longer hike to the eastern edge of the preserve will be greeted by beautiful open ledges dominated by an unusual pitch pine community.

The Farnsworth Brook enters the preserve on the southern side of the Farnsworth Brook Loop trail. Due to an increase in the beaver population, a beautiful meadow was created on the north side of the Farnsworth Brook Loop trail. Known as the engineers of the animal world, beavers strategically reshape their environments in order to create healthier habitats for themselves as well as many other mammals, birds, fish, and amphibians.

From Waldoboro Village: Head north on Main Street, and bear right onto Old Route One. In 2.6 miles, turn right onto Goshen Road. Stay on Goshen Rd. for 1.8 miles, then go straight onto the unpaved Burkett Mill Rd. where Goshen curves sharply left. Parking for the preserve is located on the left 0.3 miles down the road.