Most reviewed Nature & Wildlife Areas in Maine


  1. 4.5 Shore Path (2.009 reviews)
    - A captivating walk you might miss out on in the touristy din
    Nature & Wildlife Areas
    Shore Path image
    A salute to Bar Harbor for this jewel of a walk, affording multi-million-dollar views of Frenchman Bay to all! Even on a rainy day, the seascape of rocky/kelpy shore, a wide variety of vessels on the move or secured, and wooded islands is the equal of many available in the adjacent Acadia National Park. In the other direction, magnificent estates and gardens, maintained to a widely varying degree that only adds to their charm. The interpretive signs are also lovingly maintained little works of village art. Parking at a very reasonable price can be found; just follow the signage leading you off the main tourist thoroughfares. See more..
  2. 5.0 Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens (1.982 reviews)
    - Beautiful and Colorful Lights
    Temporarily closed - Closed until Apr 30, 2023 Spent More than 3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Gardens • Scenic Walking Areas
    Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens image
    The Gardens is 323 acres, 19 of which are ornamental and themed gardens featuring native plants of Maine and others suited to northern coastal conditions. Trails and points of interest extend over 150 acres of mature forest, wetlands, and a mile of tidal shoreline. Advance tickets are required for admission; visit MaineGardens.org. The campus includes innovative landscape designs, impressive stonework, unique sculpture, and scenic views inviting visitors of all ages and abilities to explore nature’s connections at their leisure. Hailed as one of Maine's top attractions, a visit to the Gardens is a memorable experience, no matter the season. See more..
  3. 4.5 Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge (579 reviews)
    - Year round hiking
    Monday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas
    Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge image
    Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge was established to protect valuable salt marshes and estuaries for migratory birds. Visitors can enjoy wildlife viewing year-around on the refuge. See more..
  4. 4.5 Maine Wildlife Park (386 reviews)
    - Great family experience, educational and fun!
    Monday: 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM Spent 2-3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas
    Maine Wildlife Park image
    The Maine Wildlife Park is open for the 2019 season! The wildlife park is home to over 30 native species of Maine wildlife that cannot be released back into the wild. View moose, bears, big cats, eagles, owls, turtles, brook trout and more! Nature trails, nature store, picnic area, snack shack, visitor center. See more..
  5. 4.5 Wells Reserve at Laudholm (285 reviews)
    - Little Known GEM - MUST GO!
    Monday: 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas
    Wells Reserve at Laudholm image
    The Wells Reserve at Laudholm is a place to discover. Open every day from 7 am to sunset, with 7 miles of trails through field, forest, and salt marsh to an undeveloped beach, it is a favorite spot for birders and wildlife lovers, photographers and artists, walkers and runners, natural resource managers and history buffs. Each year, the Wells Reserve offers nearly 200 education programs for every audience from K to gray. Guided walks, camps for kids, workshops, and lectures are regular offerings. The reserve hosts several fundraising events annually, including the Laudholm Nature Crafts Festival on the weekend after Labor Day. The site is one of 30 National Estuarine Research Reserves across the country. Each reserve supports coastal research, education, and training. In Wells, support comes from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and members of the nonprofit Laudholm Trust. FMI Visit our website and social outlets. See more..
  6. 5.0 Boothbay Region Land Trust (184 reviews)
    - Maine the way Life Should Be
    Monday: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas
    Boothbay Region Land Trust image
    Boothbay Region Land Trust is an accredited land conservation nonprofit which seeks to conserve for the public benefit the natural habitat, scenic beauty and working land of the Boothbay region. We manage 26 public preserves with 35 miles of hiking trails, conserve over 1700 acres, and offer a minimum of 100 free educational events annually. See more..
  7. 5.0 Orono Bog Boardwalk (69 reviews)
    - Worth the walk
    Nature & Wildlife Areas
    Orono Bog Boardwalk image
    Nice peaceful morning walk. Paths were laid out well. Different scenery. Would love to come back in the spring to see the wild flowers blooming. Good job U of Maine! See more..
  8. 4.5 Cascade Stream Gorge Trail (49 reviews)
    - Excellent Family Hike
    Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails • Waterfalls
    Cascade Stream Gorge Trail image
    Find Cascade Stream Gorge in Sandy River Plantation. The 1-mile trail leads into the 90-foot deep gorge of Cascade Stream, providing access to a series of waterfalls and chutes. The trail leaves from the south side of the parking area. Look for white blazes. Shortly after leaving the parking lot, the trail passes under a power line, continues into the woods and along the stream, and eventually connects with the Fly Rod Crosby Trail. There are several good viewpoints of the stream and falls along the trail, which at several points follows the bedrock on the side of the gorge. Recreation Opportunities Artists Trail, Public Access, Trail, Water Access, Waterfall Conservation Story RLHT purchased the 28-acre Cascade Stream Gorge Conservation Area in 1999. Cascades is on the Maine Registry of Critical Areas for its unique natural and geologic features and wilderness qualities. See more..
  9. 4.5 Thorncrag Bird Sanctuary (42 reviews)
    - Love to hike here 4 seasons
    Nature & Wildlife Areas
    Thorncrag Bird Sanctuary image
    There are several trails that make for great hour-long walks. There are two entrances...one on East Ave & the main one on Montello Street. The Stanton Bird Club cares for the sanctuary and provides maps & info at kiosks at the entrances. There are also lots of birds and deer that live there. See more..
  10. 5.0 Gilsland Farm Audubon Center (37 reviews)
    - Gorgeous Peonies At Gilsland Farm - Falmouth, Maine
    Monday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Speciality & Gift Shops • Nature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails
    Gilsland Farm Audubon Center image
    Situated along the Presumpscot River estuary just five minutes from Portland, Maine Audubon’s headquarters features an environmental education center, nature store, and a 65-acre sanctuary with more than two miles of trails winding along a pond and through forest, meadow, orchard, and salt marsh. See more..
  11. 5.0 Hacker's Hill Preserve (35 reviews)
    - Hill with Magnificent 270-Degree Views
    Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails
    Hacker's Hill Preserve image
    The gate to this 27-acre (10.9 ha), no-fee preserve was open; some days it’s closed. A sign marked the entrance up a steep hill. Limited parking was in two lots. The views of Sebago Lake and the White Mountains were absolutely stunning. The preserve had interpretive displays, a clean outhouse, a picnic table, and a loop trail through fields. I liked all that I found here; I disliked nothing. See more..
  12. 4.5 East Point Sanctuary (28 reviews)
    - Sshhhh!! Don’t tell others! ;)
    Nature & Wildlife Areas
    East Point Sanctuary image
    This is my favorite place. Park along the road. Find the gate and start walking! It feels like a secret spot because you will most likely have the place to yourself with maybe only a few other couples coming and going. Plenty of space so you still feel alone. Wear something on your feet that you can use climbing to be safe. The dirt paths down are kind of steep and there are tons of rocks to explore. I love the beach made of all oval shaped rocks. No sand here! You get solitude, the sound of crashing waves and AMAZING views! I think I’ll head there today!❤️ See more..
  13. 4.5 Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument (25 reviews)
    - Remote beauty
    Spent More than 3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas
    Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument image
    We stayed in the area with the intention of checking out the KWWMN. We were not disappointed. The area is teeming with beauty and wildlife. It's as remote as we expected it to be. When reading up on the area, there are suggestions not to drive the roads using low clearance vehicles. The roads are identified as logging roads which should suggest loose gravel, stones, pot holes, etc. The roads didn't disappoint in this regard. Be prepared and check out this new addition to the National Park system. It will be worth your while. See more..
  14. 5.0 Borestone Mountain (17 reviews)
    - Wonderful Hike with Stunning Views
    Nature & Wildlife Areas
    Borestone Mountain image
    A wildlife sanctuary that is owned by the Maine Audubon Society. See more..
  15. 4.5 Saco Heath (15 reviews)
    - beautiful serene location
    Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas
    Saco Heath image
    Picked up a one day fishing license and out we went. Had a great time caught two fish. We were the only people out on the lake. very beautiful area and a wonderful time had by all- we catch and release so someone else can have a catch. See more..
  16. 4.0 Littlejohn Island Preserve (15 reviews)
    - Scenic Preserve on Casco Bay
    Nature & Wildlife Areas
    Littlejohn Island Preserve image
    Strictly enforced parking limits mean that this preserve is at capacity every day. Please consider other destinations. See more..
  17. 5.0 Mount Kineo State Park (14 reviews)
    - Stunning views - do not miss
    State Parks • Nature & Wildlife Areas
    Mount Kineo State Park image
    The Indian Trail is steep, so be prepared. However, the views up are amazing and worth the work. Go down the Bridle Trail. It's not as hard, but is totally in the woods. However, it also has its own beauty. The fire tower at the top is provides views that go for miles. The trails are very well maintained and clearly marked. This hike did not disappoint. See more..
  18. 4.5 Mill Creek Park (13 reviews)
    - love this park
    Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Parks
    Mill Creek Park image
    Spring is great for those Prom pictures. The backdrops are perfect. I love walking across the street from work, sitting under a shady tree for 30 minutes to recharge, then head back into work. free concerts in the park in the Summer too. I see kids feeding the ducks. dogs going for a walk, bikers on the Greenbelt path. Picnics, even someone practicing fly fishing. Perfect park and lots of benches all around the pond See more..
  19. 4.5 French Mountain (12 reviews)
    - Another Favorite!
    Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails
    French Mountain image
    If you are looking for beautiful without planning a big hiking trip, this is the place. Have been up here so many times with kids to a person with a broken leg! It is worth the walk to see these views! See more..
  20. 4.5 Bigelow Preserve (11 reviews)
    - Stunning
    Spent More than 3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails
    Bigelow Preserve image
    The Western Maine mountains are beautiful anytime of the year with some many varied things to do from hiking to recreational activities and of course hunting and fishing See more..
  21. 5.0 Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge (10 reviews)
    - Trails, drives, nesting birds and beautiful scenery
    Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas
    Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge image
    Moosehorn NWR is a beautiful spot to spend time. There is something for everyone. You can drive the Refuge's access roads seeing woodlands, lakes, ponds, and wildlife or you can take one of the trails available. My favorite ride through the Refuge is taking the road directly across from the Headquarters Road, Goodall Heath Road. It'll take you to Vose Pond Road and you can either loop back to Goodall Heath or continue on to Magurrewock Road and exit the Refuge at Icehouse Rd (when it's open - check at the Visitor Center). There are beaver dams, ducks, native azaleas and moose, if you're lucky enough to see one. The stands off the Charlotte Rd (just off Route 1) often have nesting Eagles in them. Fall foliage is beautiful and spring blooms are too. I visit here often and plan to take the Woodcock Trail in spring to try and see their mating dance! See more..
  22. 3.5 Mast Landing Sanctuary (10 reviews)
    - An Enclave of Nature Off the Beaten Path
    Nature & Wildlife Areas
    Mast Landing Sanctuary image
    A bird sanctuary owned and managed by the Maine Audubon Society. See more..
  23. 5.0 Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge (9 reviews)
    - A great escape!
    Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas
    Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge image
    The Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge is a great place to get-a-way when you need a little escape. I love to go for the walking trails! See more..
  24. 4.5 Evans Notch (9 reviews)
    - Quiet is good, stunning views and quiet is better.
    Nature & Wildlife Areas
    Evans Notch image
    This is the place if your looking to get away from the maddening crowds. Many of these hikes are simple day trips and short work with great Summit Views. Most hikes have a wonderful swimming hole about 15-20 minutes from the road. 2 of the best Swim spots in this valley include Rattlesnake Pool up behind the Stone House on Blueberry Mountain. The largest and deepest in the area is Emerald Pool on the Baldface Circle Trail. Its a Cold One best saved for the hottest days. Quick hitters include the ROOST or The ROYCES. These 2 short hikes are wonderfull for families with kids. One of the largest, longest , highest suspension bridges can be found at the intersection of 113 and the WildRiver Rd. access good for walking and wheel chair. The 2 Big Climbs in the region that can be had from this side = BaldaceCircle and The Carter Range via Black Angel and Rainbow Trails.. Enjoy the drive through the Notch on a historic CCC road built back in the Roosevelt days.. See more..
  25. 3.5 Holt Pond Preserve (9 reviews)
    - Quiet
    Nature & Wildlife Areas
    Holt Pond Preserve image
    About 15 in our group were looking for a hike and we went here. It was nothing to write home about, but we had a good time. The trails are not flat. Some paths stand to have grasses cut back. The trails are marked with signs and painted marks on trees. There is a doorless toilet. Not much room for parking. No fee. We saw another hiker with a dog. Two canoers were in the pond. See more..
  26. 5.0 Spring Point Shoreway (8 reviews)
    - Walking trail on the waterfront!
    Spent 1-2 hours Biking Trails • Nature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails
    Spring Point Shoreway image
    A very enjoyable walkway that extends from Willard Beach, through the campus of Southern Maine Community College, past Spring Point Light, and through the former World War II shipyard (part of which is now a marina). If you walk through the gate into the marina, you'll find signs directing you to stay on the trail, walking past a restaurant, in front of condos and back onto a street. If you keep following along the waterfront, you'll arrive at beautiful Bug Light Park, home of a lighthouse, a great (free admission) history museum, and the giant Shipyard Memorial that has photos and information about the Liberty ships that were built in South Portland in the 1940s. See more..
  27. 4.5 Mt. Phillip (7 reviews)
    - Great Hiking Trails
    Spent 1-2 hours Biking Trails • Nature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails
    Mt. Phillip image
    The trail is a 1.4 loop and can be a bit challenging at a couple of points. The views from the top give a panoramic view of the Belgrade Lakes and Kennebec Highlands area. You can geocache your way along the trails. Make sure to bring your bug spray during bug season! See more..
  28. 4.0 Peaks-Kenny State Park (5 reviews)
    - Camped one night while passing thru the area and did an evening kayak
    State Parks • Beaches • Nature & Wildlife Areas
    Peaks-Kenny State Park image
    A great place worth a return visit especially if you are a paddler or a family looking for some beach time. The campgroud is excellect. See more..
  29. 4.0 River Point Conservation Area (4 reviews)
    - Beautiful vistas and solitude
    Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails
    River Point Conservation Area image
    The trails aren't long, but the area is beautiful. Very lightly visited you will usually have the place to yourself. See more..
  30. 3.5 Pratt's Brook Park (4 reviews)
    - Walk/Hike
    Spent 1-2 hours Bodies of Water • Nature & Wildlife Areas • Parks
    Pratt's Brook Park image
    I really enjoyed my walk. It was peaceful, full of all different bird sounds & wi d rustling in the trees. The trails were clearly marked & were safe underfoot. Will definately go again! The only insect I encountered was 1 lone mosquito. See more..
  31. 5.0 South Bog Interpretive Trail (4 reviews)
    - We saw a MOOSE!
    Spent 2-3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails
    South Bog Interpretive Trail image
    South Bog is a 1000-acre working forest with two unique trail experiences; a short interpretive trail highlighting the conservation area’s rich natural resources, a stream restoration effort, and a longer multi-use trail to Rangeley Lake. The interpretive trail leaves from the parking area and follows the eastern side of the South Bog Stream to a stream restoration project completed by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. It then crosses the stream (no bridge) and follows the western shore of the stream back to the road, where it is only a short walk back to the parking lot. The longer extension leaves from the western side of the stream just after the stream crossing and goes approximately 2 miles to a picnic area along the shores of Rangeley Lake. Recreation Opportunities Birding Trail, Dark Sky Trail, Hunting, Public Access, Snowmobiling, Trail, Water Access, Winter Access Conservation Story RLHT purchased the 980-acre South Bog Conservation Area in 2 See more..
  32. 4.5 Hunter Cove Wildlife Sanctuary (4 reviews)
    - Great place to Snowshoe
    Spent 1-2 hours Bodies of Water • Nature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails
    Hunter Cove Wildlife Sanctuary image
    Hunter Cove offers 1.5 miles of easy, flat trails with several loop options. The trails lead out to a beautiful section of Hunter Cove on Rangeley Lake. HCWS is 100-acres of forested lands bordering Rangeley Lake, Dodge Pond Stream, and Route 4. There’s an abundance of habitats for songbirds, wading birds, amphibians, and a deer wintering area. HCWS is a popular bird-watching, snowshoeing, and backcountry skiing property. Several wet areas have bog bridging. Be prepared to get your feet wet. There is an outhouse near the parking area. Recreation Opportunities Birding Trail, Public Access, Trail, Water Access, Winter Access Conservation Story The Maine Audubon Society acquired the property in 1974. Because of the challenge of maintaining the property from their headquarters in Falmouth, Audubon donated the property to RLHT in 2004 to ensure local stewardship and proper management. See more..
  33. 4.5 Mayberry Hill Preserve (3 reviews)
    - Hard to find, but worth it
    Nature & Wildlife Areas
    Mayberry Hill Preserve image
    Look carefully for a small sign that you can easily drive by. The site itself is a very please 30 minute loop walk, with almost the entire trail shaded from the sun by a very dense tree canopy. Suitable for families with young kids, seniors, dogs on leash, everyone. Not a rugged "hike;" just a pleasant walk. Watch out for occasional low hanging branches or roots poking up from the pathway. See more..
  34. 4.5 Sawyer Mountain Highlands (3 reviews)
    - Adventure in the Woods
    Spent 2-3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas
    Sawyer Mountain Highlands image
    Great day hike in the Sawyer Mountain Highlands. Parked in the Limerick, ME side off Sawyer Mountain Road. (Also can park off Rt 117 on the Limington side). Took the trail from the parking lot and climb was steep from the beginning. Made it to the top of Sawyer Mountain then headed over to High Pasture. Saw animal tracks along the way and the McKenney cemetary. Glad we wore hiking shoes because it started raining and gave us better traction. We hiked 3 hours but want to go back to see more. See more..
  35. 5.0 Spear Farm Estuary Preserve (3 reviews)
    - A Delightful Walk in the Woods
    Spent 2-3 hours Bodies of Water • Nature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails
    For a relaxing walk in the woods, it was hard to imagine a better place than here. This family-friendly, 55-acre (22.3 ha) woodland preserve offered two miles (3.2 km) of clearly marked trails. The trailhead had a map kiosk. Terrain was hilly with easy grades across woods and small fields and past salt marshes and a serene pond. Surfaces were mostly earth floor. The trails attracted walkers of all ages. A picnic table afforded a perfect place to watch shorebirds near the Royal River. Parking was in a small dirt lot on lower Bayview Street. I most enjoyed the sights and sounds of nature here; I disliked only the need to use bug spray against the ticks and early-season mosquitoes. See more..
  36. 4.5 Vaughn Woods & Historic Homestead (3 reviews)
    - Relaxing!!!
    Historic Sites • Nature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails
    Vaughn Woods & Historic Homestead image
    I went here with my cousin and it was so relaxing! There’s a loop in one of the path that’s worth the time! Personally, I love being in nature, so I really enjoyed this. The leaves were nice and colorful, so it made for a very scenic walk. See more..
  37. 5.0 Wonder Brook Preserve (3 reviews)
    - Beautiful Venue for Gatherings
    Spent More than 3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas
    Wonder Brook Preserve image
    The Kennebunk Land Trust has a beautiful lodge on their Emmons Preserve land on Gravelly Brook Road. We were very fortunate to be able to rent the facility for our son's wedding rehearsal gathering. What a find!! Big, spacious spaces inside. Kitchen facilities. Large deck, outdoor fire pit, picnic tables outside, and a big lawn for all kids of outdoor games and activities. Rain or shine this place was perfect. The rental fee gives you the facility for the day. Access to hiking trails. Plenty of room for guests to park. Everyone loved it. The staff member who handles the rentals was great to work with. You do have to leave the facility clean and as you found it and take your garbage with you. This wasn't a problem as our family and friends were more than happy to help with pick-up. Thank you Kennebunk Conservation Trust for giving us the perfect place to begin the wedding festivities with about 50 family and friends!! See more..
  38. 4.0 Hatchery Brook Preserve (3 reviews)
    - Short and pleasant
    Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails
    Hatchery Brook Preserve image
    Located just outside Rangeley Village, Hatchery Brook offers a 1.2-mile trail network that provides easy walking and three waterfront picnicking opportunities close to downtown Rangeley. Stretches of wide bog bridging provide easy access over delicate wetland habitats. Recreation Opportunities Public Access, Trail, Water Access, Winter Access Conservation Story In 1997, this 50-acre parcel was approved for development. It was scheduled to be developed into 50 lots. Conservationists John and Rachel Morton purchased the property and donated it to RLHT – forever conserving this parcel. See more..
  39. 5.0 Miller Park (2 reviews)
    - An all-age trail
    Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Parks
    Miller Park image
    My granddaughter had talked about this a few times and we finally decided on a day to check it out. Biking was our choice. Plenty of parking! Paved trail, easily biked or walked. No steep hills, just gradual inclines. Several benches along the way to rest. Park your bike off the path and head down to the Sabattus River! Some folks were fishing, some just resting, others jumping from rock to rock. Water level was low when we were there, could be higher in the spring. Great place to have a picnic lunch or just to sit and listen to the water falling around the rocks. Quiet and not too busy on the day we biked. Lots of folks walking leashed dogs. Dog pots along the trail as well as porta-potty at the parking area. Local information on the kiosk at the trail entrance. Take a hike or bike it, it's a great place and it's free! Please remember: carry in/carry out! See more..
  40. 3.0 Sunkhaze Meadows (2 reviews)
    - Trails easy to access
    Nature & Wildlife Areas
    Sunkhaze Meadows image
    We went on two trails at the Sunkhaze Meadows National Wildlife Refuge: the Carter Meadow Road Trail and the Johnson Brook Trail. Both were relatively flat and easy to follow, but the Carter Meadow Trail was a lot rougher. It had about 400’ of wooden planks, but the rest of the loop was pretty rough (but flat) terrain. Very peaceful, except for the hunters across the way. We didn’t see any wildlife except for the red squirrel and we heard several types of birds. Be forewarned— there are no bathrooms out here! There is no water either, so pack some with you. The road in and out is not paved, but we managed easily with our sedan. See more..
  41. 4.0 Mount Tire’m (2 reviews)
    - Short trip to the top
    Mountains • Nature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails
    Mount Tire’m image
    Short, fairly easy hike to the summit. I went in February and the trail was covered in ice, so be prepared with the right footwear and crampons. The elevation is 1060’. See more..
  42. 4.0 Rangeley River Trail (2 reviews)
    - Walk or Snow Mobile
    Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails
    Rangeley River Trail image
    The Rangeley River Conservation Area has a mile section of shared-use trail that provides access to the Rangeley River’s shores and Mooselookmeguntic Lake for hikers, anglers, bikers, and snowmobilers. A river-side picnic table and a 0.5-mile side trail toward Indian Rock allow users to explore the Rangeley River area at their own pace. We recommend crossing the river at its northern terminus, then venturing down the narrow-gauge railroad bed, which runs across the steep opposite bank of the river. Recreation Opportunities Hunting, Public Access, Snowmobiling, Trail, Water Access, Winter Access Conservation Story Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust purchased this 150-acre property from Union Water Power Company in 1995. Prior to this, the Union Water Power owned the property for more than a century after buying it in 1878 from Squire Rangeley, the Town’s namesake. Squire Rangeley built the dam in 1836 to power his gristmill. See more..
  43. 4.0 Debsconeag Lakes Wilderness Area (2 reviews)
    - A short but challenging walk!
    Nature & Wildlife Areas
    We decided to hike the 1+ mile trail to the Ice Cave near the 1st Debsconeag Lake. It was a bit more challenging than the map indicated, but worth it at the end. Some very accessible cliffs overlook the lake, and then the trail heads down to the lake itself, which is pristine and wild. There's also a cave, created by the glacial irregular boulders strewn about that keeps ice almost year-round. An interesting side trip if one is in the Baxter State Park area. See more..
  44. 5.0 Robinson Woods Preserve (2 reviews)
    - Beautiful amble
    Nature & Wildlife Areas
    Great hike or bike. Plenty of parking at access point, nice walk amongst the trees. Plenty of wildlife. Cool shade abounds. See more..
  45. 2.5 Fels-Grove Farm Preserve (2 reviews)
    - Pleasant Old Farm Preserve Near Casco Bay
    Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas
    Fels-Grove Farm Preserve image
    This precious 55-acre (22.3 ha) plot of green space is near the power lines that transect the town. It had a kiosk but no other amenities. With one exception, the 1.2 miles (1.93 km) of signed and mostly mowed-grass trails were dedicated to walkers, most with dogs in tow. Parking was in a small gravel lot. I most liked the undisturbed open spaces. I least liked all the dogs off their leashes. See more..
  46. 3.5 Forest Legacy Hiking Trail (2 reviews)
    - Tedious start to the trail
    Spent 2-3 hours Bodies of Water • Nature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails
    Forest Legacy Hiking Trail image
    The Forest Legacy Trail is located on a 1200 acre parcel that lies on the western shores of Mooselookmeguntic and Cupsuptic Lakes. Accessed easily by car or boat, it offers 6 miles of interconnecting trails that range from moderate to difficult. It also offers four lakefront campsites. RLHT aquired the property from a large timber company in 1994 utilizing federal conservation funds from the Forest Legacy Program. RLHT is proud to provide local timber and forest product jobs that arise from the sustainable management of this working forest. See more..
  47. 5.0 Davidson Nature Preserve (1 review)
    - Hike Davidson Nature Preserve to a Heron Rookery
    Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails • Forests
    We found this using Maine Trail Finder, and then Googled it for further info. This is a great trail for a leisurely hike. Mostly flat. Woods and open fields. Use bug spray. Saw waxwings, red-winged blackbirds, etc. Once you reach the edge of the marshy area, you can see the herons nests out to the left up in the trees. We enjoyed this hike, even though it was easy. There's a visitor log at trailhead. See more..
  48. 4.0 Savage Wildlife Preserve (1 review)
    - Little gem off the beaten track
    Nature & Wildlife Areas
    Savage Wildlife Preserve image
    I visited this refuge on a lark in the mid-afternoon in mid-October. Even though the GPS coordinates / address were accurate, it is very easy to miss the entrance, as it looks like a dirt driveway (because it is!) that leads to free parking on the left about 50 yards in. (There is an inconspicuous sign at the driveway entrance.) The caretaker's home is the first thing you will see directly ahead of you, with a very clear and esily walkable trail off to the left side and back of the house. It is quiet and private and pretty here. It is not a huge refuge. If you're in the neighborhood it is absolutely worth the stop. But its relative smallness precludes it from being a destination unto itself. See more..
  49. 5.0 Blackstrap Hill Preserve (1 review)
    - A Quiet Walk in the North Falmouth’s Community Forest
    Nature & Wildlife Areas
    This surprising, suburban, 10.9-mile (17.5 km) network of color-coded trails was a sheer delight. Trail grades were moderate throughout this 280-acre (113.3 ha) preserve. Surfaces were forest floor, wood chips, and field grass. A map kiosk was below the parking area. Trails were clearly marked. Songbirds and woodland wildflowers were abundant. After a rain, bug dope was essential. The trails down to and along the West Branch of the Piscataqua River were the most fun. Among trail users were hikers, runners, and a lone bicyclist. I saw no dogs, which is rare in the Maine woods these days. Parking was in a dirt lot on Blackstrap Road. Aside from the need to repel the season’s ticks, I enjoyed my hike here, and I suspect others will do the same. See more..
  50. 5.0 North Falmouth Community Forest (1 review)
    - Quiet Place for a Walk in the Woods
    Nature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails
    North Falmouth Community Forest image
    This was a great place for a walk in the woods. A trail map box display was at the trailhead. It had several loop trail options. Color-coded trails in the 4.8-mile (7.7 km) network were clearly marked. Trail junctions also had map boxes. Grades were easy to moderate. Their surface was compact earth. Simple wooden bridges crossed a few wet areas. Beautiful old stonewalls indicated that once the forest had been pasture. Wildflowers were scarce. One vista point overlooked Hurricane Valley. On a hot mid-summer day, we almost had the trails just to ourselves. Limited parking for this 375-acre (151.8 ha) public preserve was on the roadside. We enjoyed all that we found here. We disliked nothing. See more..

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