Location: Byron, Oxford County Description: Coos Canyon is a roadside park carved out of the Swift River. Erosion has chiseled steep cliffs on both sides of the river. There are pools to swim in, flat rocks to sit on while you sift for gold, 15-foot cliffs to jump from, smooth rocks to slide down. The Read More
Hiking
We are fortunate that Maine has hundreds of miles of trails to explore. These locations are great for all levels of hiking—from winding trails along Maine's coast to high mountain peaks in western Maine and beyond. Always check the weather before heading out, and let a friend or family member know where you are headed if you are hiking alone. Don't forget to check in when you return. Enjoy your time exploring Maine's public lands!
Crystal Spring Farm
Location: Brunswick, Cumberland County. From downtown Brunswick, take Maine St. past Bowdoin College and then right onto Pleasant Hill Rd. Parking for visitors to the farm is located on the left near the top of the rise about a mile out Pleasant Hill Rd. Description: The Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust owns Crystal Spring Farm, which is Read More
Green Point Wildlife Management Area
Chosen By: Allison Wells, Senior Director, Communications Location: Dresden, Lincoln County Description: A former orchard and farm, the area extends down to the shore of the Kennebec River forming the upper reaches of Merrymeeting Bay. A walk along the well-maintained old road passes through old orchards (often teeming with birds), small ponds and wetlands (where Read More
Jamies Pond Wildlife Management Area
Chosen By: Emmie Theberge, Outreach Director Location: Hallowell, Kennebec County Description: Jamies Pond Wildlife Management Area is publicly owned and managed by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. This 840-acre property was originally purchased with help from the Land for Maine’s Future program. Jamies Pond is open for a variety of public uses, Read More
Long Island
Chosen By: Toby Kilgore, Grants Manager Location: Casco Bay, Cumberland County Description: Long Island is located in Casco Bay, accessible by private boat, water taxi, or a 45-minute ferry ride from Portland. It was first settled in the 1700s and was part of the City of Portland until it became a town in 1993. Long Read More
Oven’s Mouth Preserve
Chosen By: Allison Wells, Senior Director, Communications Location: Boothbay Harbor, Lincoln County Description: A Boothbay Region Land Trust preserve that extends over two spruce and fir clad peninsulas in the lower tidal reaches of the Sheepscot River system between Boothbay and Edgecomb. Oven’s Mouth is a narrow gut through which flows an immense quantity of Read More
Penobscot Mountain—Sargent Mountain hike, with swim at Sargent Pond
Chosen By: Pete Didisheim, Senior Director of Advocacy Location: Acadia National Park, Hancock County Description: To hike the Penobscot Mountain—Sargent Mountain loop, go to the Jordan Pond House and walk behind the building, to the left, to find the trailhead marker. The trail winds through woods, over streams, crosses the famous carriage roads, and includes Read More
Smalls Falls
Chosen By: Beth Comeau, Communications Manager Location: Madrid, Franklin County Description: A 54-foot waterfall on the Sandy River Activities: Swimming, hiking, photography, picnicking Favorite season to visit: Early fall Why it’s special: This waterfall is beautiful! You can hike up to the top, swim in the fresh, clean water at the bottom of the falls, Read More
Tunk Lake Area, including Donnell Pond and Spring River Lake
Tunk Lake Area, including Donnell Pond and Spring River Lake Location: In and around Township 10 SD, 12 miles east of Ellsworth, Hancock County Description: The Donnell Pond Public Reserved Land unit includes mountains, pristine lakes, and remote ponds all spread out over 14,000 acres in eastern Maine. There are sites for camping along the pond’s beaches, Read More
