The Edgar M. Tennis Loop at Edgar M. Tennis Preserve in Deer Isle, Maine is an easy 2.9-mile loop hike that encompasses the preserve and features views of Southeast Harbor and Pickering Cove.
Trail names: North Shore Trail, South Shore Trail, Hardy Trail, Juniper Point Loop, Old Meadow Trail.
Location: Edgar M. Tennis Preserve, Tennis Road, Deer Isle Maine
Permitted uses: Foot traffic only, Nature Study, Bird watching, Letterboxing. Hunting is permitted from October through December and all visitors are encouraged to wear blaze orange during this period.
Prohibited uses: No Camping, No Fires, No Smoking, No bikes, No motorized vehicles. Please respect private property and stay on the designated trails. Do not remove any rocks, plants or archeological materials
Hours: Trails are day use only.
Fees and Parking: Parking is limited in three small parking areas and ONLY in the designated parking areas. Parking along the roadside is not allowed. There is no fee to park or use the trails.
Pets: Dogs are permitted on the trails and must be kept on a leash. Please remove all pet waste from the trails and take all bagged trash, including pet waste with you when you leave the Preserve.
Accessibility: This hike is not wheelchair accessible.
Hiker amenities: There is a small information kiosk with a posted map and information about the Preserve at the Trailhead. There are no restrooms or trash bins.
Length and Trail information: This hike is an easy hike that is approximately 2.9 miles long and was done as a loop. The trails are well marked by orange blazes and occasional wooden signs. The inclines and descents along this trail system are not steep,severe or long lasting, but the substrate, especially the North and South Shore trails overlooking the water of Pickering Cove are extremely rooted and rocky, making for some hazardous footing. There are some wetter spots that can be a bit muddy along the trail and boardwalks have been placed to assist hikers to navigate those areas. We found a memorial bench along the trail that offered a lovely view and a perfect spot to take a break and watch the boats in the harbor before heading back down the trail. In addition to the beautiful views, this area is home to Osprey, Eagles, and Cormorants. We were lucky enough to see all three, as well as seals playing in harbor and a couple deer that were browsing just off the trailside. We did come across a Letterbox placed along the trail, but it was in sad shape and in need of some care. There is a historical cemetery with an information placard placed outside the cemetery fence at the Preserve. Visitors are encouraged to pay their respects and learn about those that once lived here. The Edgar M. Tennis Preserve was established in 1972 and consists of approximately 115 acres. This sanctuary is managed by the Island Heritage Trust (IHT) and information about the Preserve can be found by visiting their website at: www.islandheritagetrust.org
