Outdoor Access Preserve in Bernard, Maine offers a varied and scenic experience for visitors. The property features mowed field trails that wind through areas rich with wildflowers and diverse tree species, as well as on-site gardens. A highlight is the “Secret Island” trail, which leads to beautiful water views and birdwatching opportunities. 

The preserve has a dirt parking lot with no accessible parking spaces currently marked. However, visitors may park at the ends of the lot to leave enough space to comfortably enter and exit their vehicle. A picnic table is available on-site, offering a perfect spot to rest and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. The preserve has two distinct trail experiences: the Field Trails and the Secret Island Trail. Visitors with mobility considerations should be aware that trails can be uneven with muddy spots, ruts, and roots, and several sections have steep slopes. 

Features	Details and Accessibility Information
Parking	While there are currently no designated accessible parking spaces, visitors may park at the ends of the lot to leave enough space to comfortably enter and exit their vehicle. An informational kiosk is not present at the trailhead.
Amenities	One standard picnic table is available but may not be accessible to those with mobility issues or an unsteady gait due to the surrounding slopes.
Signage	There is not any signage to help with information or wayfinding, aside from the sign at the start of the Secret Island.

Field Trails

The Field Trails are 0.5 miles long and wind through open areas rich with wildflowers and diverse tree species. The path is a natural, mowed grass surface that can be uneven. The trail width is between 60 to 72 inches. This trail has a running slope from 0.3% to 25% and a cross slope of 0% and 16.7% in different sections. There is one picnic table at the top of a hill on this trail.

Field Trails (0.5 miles)

Surface Type: Mowed grass

Trail Width: 60 to 72 inches

Running Slope: 0.3% to 25%

Cross Slope: 0% and 16.7%

Notes: The natural grass surface can present uneven terrain. Steep slopes are present in multiple sections

Secret Island Trail

The Secret Island Trail is a 0.25-mile path that leads to stunning water views and is a great area for birdwatching. The trail is a highlight of the preserve. Its surface is composed of grass and forest floor. Visitors should be aware that some spots have mud, rocks, or large roots. The trail is 36 inches wide. The slopes on this trail are more gentle, with both the running and cross slopes staying between 0% and 5%.

Secret Island Trail (0.25 miles)

Surface Type: Mud/Roots/Grass

Trail Width: 36 inches

Running Slope: 0% to 5%

Cross Slope: 0% to 5%

Notes: There are beautiful water views. This trail presents a great opportunity for birdwatching. Some areas are muddy and have large roots.

Preserve Statistics

Category	Potential Barrier Type(s)	Key Details
Signage & Trail Markings	Cognitive, Visual	Minimal trail markers are present throughout the trail network: Field Trails: Marked by mowed grass paths in the fields.Secret Island Trail: Marked by a small sign at the beginning of the trail.
Visual Accommodations	Visual, Sensory	Lighting is not available. No color contrast signage or tactile cues are in use.
Auditory Environment	Sensory (Auditory)	The soundscape of this property consists of ambient nature sounds present throughout (birds, rustling leaves, etc.).
Natural Hazards	Sensory, Physical	Those with an unsteady gait or small children should take caution on the Secret Island. Visitors should take note as to not touch or allow children to get too close to the electric fence that surrounds the garden area.
Benches & Rest Areas	Physical, Sensory	Benches are currently not present anywhere on the property, but there is one picnic table present.

*This trail description is based on an accessibility assessment conducted by Outdoor Access Solutions in June 2025. Visitors should be aware that trail conditions can change due to weather, seasonal shifts, and other natural events.