Across the street from Fort McClary State Park is a picnic area near Barters Creek. There are also some bathrooms and the Barters Creek Trail. While it isn’t very long or difficult to navigate, it was absolutely lovely to walk around on — especially on a Sunday morning in late autumn. There was no one there but us! The trail is mostly a straight line with two tiny loops at each end(where it does branch off, you’ll be met with big«State Boundary» signs as you’re approaching someone’s back yard) — so you can either choose to walk left or right first. If you initially go left on the trail, it’s a small walk down to the Crockett Neck Rd bridge area. Loop around and go back to the right and you’ll be brought to a mini island(we were there during low tide so it was easy to get to — only six or so steps over rocks to reach it). It’s fun to hang out on it — there was a lobster trap washed up, a row boat flipped upside down, and the water was a sparkly greenish-blue. I know it sounds silly, but there really was something charming about Mini Island. Like you would expect to see fairies houses or gnomes gardens there! If you’re visiting Fort McClary, it would be worth it to meander across the street(be sure to take a moment to sit and enjoy the pond — cattails, lily pads, and some amphibian friends) to this little area for some quiet time(especially during the shoulder seasons), some photos, and for some fresh air!
