Hamilton Cove

The first of four parcels that comprise the preserve was acquired in 1993. The family that generously sold the second parcel to MCHT below appraised value in 1998 later donated an additional 435 acres in 2008. Another family sold the fourth parcel of 414 acres to MCHT in 2007. This section of the preserve is dedicated to Philip and Beatrice Shapero.

The preserve hosts more than 25 different types of plant communities, including an unusually high number of bogs, fens, and other wetlands. These wetlands provide habitat for several uncommon plants, such as baked-apple berry, labrador tea, roseroot sedum, and beachhead iris. Notably, the extensive alder community found here is unique to coastal Maine and Alaska.

There are also grassland barrens, the product of land clearing in the mid-1800s and kept open by frequent fires. In areas with less history of fire, maritime spruce forests thrive. In wooded areas, mountain ash provides essential fruit for migrating birds (hermit thrush, robins, and catbirds) and resident mammals. Beavers have been a strong influence on the water regime of Hamilton Brook, changing water levels from year to year.

Extensive rocky barrens are popular nesting sites for Lincoln’s sparrow and palm warbler, while meadow areas near the brook attract ducks, bitterns, woodcock, and flycatchers. Hawks routinely pass by on their migratory routes in spring and fall, while northern harriers and merlins breed here throughout the summer. The preserve also supports black bear, moose, fox, coyote, snowshoe hare, bobcat, and other mammals. Whales and harbor seals can also be spotted offshore.

Hamilton Cove has a long history of human activity dating back to the early 1800s, when the original land grants were issued. One of these grants went to Catherine Congdon of Keene, NH, whose property stretched from Jim’s Head to just east of Wallace Cove. Ownership later passed to Benjamin Hamilton, who lived near Hamilton Brook. Benjamin Hamilton is also the namesake for Benny’s Mountain.

Remnants of this early settlement can still be found today. In winter or early spring, the remains of a foundation are visible near the registration box. The present path from the main trail to the brook follows the route of an old dam built to retain water for a local mill. A line of willow trees marks the dam’s location and continues along both sides of the brook. The mill once cut lumber used to build several ships at a shipyard located where Hamilton Stream meets the sea.

From the parking area, head down the main path a hundred feet to a kiosk and four-way intersection. Choose your destination from any of the four trails:

• Coastal Trail (2-3-miles)
• Beach Trail (0.1-miles)
• Meadow Trail (0.4-miles)
• Benny’s Mountain Trail (2.4 miles)