Miles

Miles Island is an uninhabited, 17-acre island situated in the Back River between Barters Island and the mainland of Boothbay. This area of the Back River, from Sawyers Island to Ovens Mouth, features large mud flats that are an important area for a variety of marine wildlife and have been historically known to be a productive source of marine worms and clams. The Island itself features mixed hardwoods and conifers with Red Oak becoming dominate in the higher elevation areas on the south side of the property. Likely used seasonally by the area’s indigenous Etchemin people before they were driven out in the 1700’s, the island was apparently never inhabited after colonization and was used as pasturage until the early 20th century.

The island is owned and managed by [Boothbay Region Land Trust](https://bbrlt.org/) which has allowed access for low impact day and overnight use, and features a loop trail and primitive campsite. Fires are allowed in the designated fire ring at the campsite or below the high tide line. Due to thin soils and the fragile island ecosystem, please only burn driftwood found along the shoreline.

The best landing, and nearest to the campsite, is located near the northern tip on the west side where the island first begins to widen. Arriving or departing at mid-tide or higher is recommended to avoid the 80 yards of mudflat that is exposed at low tide between the landing and the main channel. East of the island is entirely mud flat at lower tides so be aware if boating or landing on this side.

With its location on the Back River, Miles is well suited as a base to explore the surrounding area. For more information about Miles and other nearby island preserves [click here](https://bbrlt.org/).