Barred Island Preserve parking — Attraction in Deer Isle

As far as beauty it’s stunning. The carpet of moss and the trees are lovely. The air is wonderfully fresh. In summer, wear something you can swim or wade in because the beach is beautiful, the water warm, and you’ll be ready for a swim.

We saw many families enjoying the hike. Still, even though it’s not a long hike, interpretations of difficulty differ. I would warn any older person (especially if, like me, you aren’t especially fit or, also like me, don’t have great vision) that it’s not an easy stroll. The entire path is generously covered with roots that you have to pay careful attention to or risk falling and there are rocks and steep inclines to navigate. Highly recommend a walking stick. I’m sore today but it was one of the loveliest places I’ve seen so I’m kind of glad I was misled on...

The most important thing to know is you have to park in a small lot then there is a mile hike to the island. If you come to a Y in the road you've gone too far. The good news is the hike is beautiful. Decently defined trail with boardwalks to get you through a few wet spots. Once you're to the water it is just 100 feet of sand bar to the island. Make sure if you wait for a later low-tide you leave enough time because the hike gets pretty dark in the...

Great hike to small beachs and rocky coast. At low tide you can walk across the sandbar to the island. The hike is fairly easy and very rewarding.the ocean water is often very cold but you get used to it. There are two different parking lots to access the trails. The second lot is closer to the beach so it will save a small amount of hiking. The hike is about 1 mile each way. We went on a Saturday and it was surprisingly not very busy. Very...