Messing about in boats is a favorite occupation in the Boothbay region. Yet, if one is neither a fisherman nor a tour boat operator, there are just so many things to do in a boat of any size. If you have tired of week long or even daylong cruises and have explored every dockside restaurant in the area, consider a new type of adventure. 

The Boothbay region, like every other area along this beautiful coastline, has dozens of small inlets and islands just waiting to be explored. A favorite destination for many boaters and kayakers, Indiantown Island is nestled in the Sheepscot River not far from Boothbay Harbor and offers over a mile of easy hiking trails on nearly 60 acres. 

In 1995, the Boothbay Region Land Trust acquired the northern half of the island, which consists of 27 acres and a conservation easement over the southern 33 acres. Since the island is accessible only by water, boats can be launched at the Knickercane ramp off Barters Island Road and at the McKown Point Boat Launch. the Boothbay Region Land Trust maintains a mooring and small dock on the northwest corner of the island, along with a courtesy dinghy. GPS coordinates for the land trust’s dock are N43°51.823’W69°40.030’.

The island, as its name suggests, has a colorful history, having first been occupied by Native Americans who left behind a treasure trove for an archaeological dig, sponsored by the Boothbay Region Land Trust in 1995-96. Finds included a large barbed harpoon and an extensive collection of bones, stone and bone tools and arrowheads. 

The earliest recorded colonial owners of the island were Joseph Patton and Israel Davis, who also owned Sawyer's Island. The Reed family purchased Indiantown in 1780 and kept it in the family for over a hundred years, using it for sheep farming. Today, part of the island is still privately owned, with plenty of land remaining for visitors. Hiking the rocky and moss lined trails, with birdsong replacing the ubiquitous phone or iPod, it is still possible to pretend that one is alone at the beginning of time. 

Bird watchers on the island will be able to spot black-crowned night herons, great blue herons, osprey and an occasional eagle. White-tailed deer and many small mammals also have made their way to the island. 

The late naturalist Rachel Carson summered in the area and immortalized Indiantown Island in a 1972 essay “An Island to Remember,” in which she evokes the voice of the hermit thrush, calling it the “forest spirit” that sang of eons past when our forebears walked the land. 

Just a short boat ride away from the hustle and bustle of tourism, Indiantown Island offers a gentle walk and a peek at what could be ours every day if we only stopped and listened.

For more information on Boothbay Region Land Trust preserves, hiking trails or events, go to www.bbrlt.org or call 633-4818.