The Raymond Community Forest is a 356-acre preserve located next to Crescent Lake in Cumberland County. The forest’s variety of ecological, recreational, and scenic offerings make this a unique and delightful spot to visit. It has two sections, separated by Conesca Road. The southern section lies closer to the shores of Crescent Lake and includes wetlands, two easy hiking trails, and a forest comprised mainly of white pine, beech, hemlock, and red oak. The two trails in this section, called Spiller Homestead Loop and Grape Expectations Trail, are also open to mountain bikers. The northern section of the preserve is generally more rugged, and it houses Pismire Bluff Trail, which is a moderately difficult climb up to a viewpoint of Crescent Lake, Pismire Mountain, and the Raymond Community Forest itself. The vista is particularly spectacular in the fall, as the foliage creates a colorful, vibrant scene. The 0.7-mile Highlands Loop is also found in this section of the preserve.
The Raymond Community Forest presents visitors with cross-country skiing, hunting, snowshoeing, and birdwatching opportunities. Wildlife watchers can be on the lookout for the porcupines, turtles, butterflies, and wood frogs that call the forest home, while flora enthusiasts can appreciate the abundant summer grape that grows throughout the property. Loon Echo Land Trust first identified this area as a target of conservation efforts in 2012. They were able to purchase the land for permanent preservation in 2016 with support from the Land for Maine’s Future program. They have since established the preserve’s four aforementioned trails with the help of dedicated and generous volunteers.
Closest Town
Raymond
Activities
Birdwatching, Cross-country Skiing and Snowshoeing, Hiking, Hunting, Mountain Biking, Nature Study, Picnicking, Wildlife Watching, Snowmobiling, Walking
Region
Southern Maine – York, Cumberland
Acreage
356
Directions
From Raymond, head east and turn left on ME-85 N. Follow it for three miles, and then turn right onto Raymond Hill Road. After three more miles, turn left onto Conesca Road. Parking will be on your left.
