Crooked Farm Preserve, photo courtesy Coastal Rivers
Crooked Farm Preserve, lying in a secluded setting along the Pemaquid River, supports an unusual diversity of plants and animals due to varied habitats–from wetlands, fields and forests to high knolls and ravines. Along its 1.27 miles of river frontage, both warm and cold water species of game fish spawn. The wetlands and uplands offer an ever-changing collage of flowering and fruiting plants, from pink lady slippers, rose pogonia, and purple-fringed orchid to wild iris and cardinal flower.
The property provides rare public access to the Pemaquid River and offers a critical link on the Pemaquid Canoe Trail, a 17-mile route from the northern end of Pemaquid Pond (near Route One in Nobleboro) to Pemaquid Harbor in New Harbor.
The Crooked Farm Preserve was established in 2002 as a result of a community partnership among the Crook family, the Carpenter’s Boat Shop, the Pemaquid Watershed Association (PWA), and the Damariscotta River Association (DRA), along with the financial support of the local community and funding from the Land for Maine’s Future program in collaboration with the Maine Department of Conservation. The preserve is owned by the Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust and is held in conservation easement. Note: The Pemaquid Watershed Association and the Damariscotta River Association merged to create the Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust.
A 2.6-mile loop trail meanders through forests, meadows, and wetlands, passing along portions of the Pemaquid River (with a side trail leading to an overlook on Boyd Pond). Hand-launch river access is provided via a 0.2-mile trail from the parking area.
Closest Town
Bristol
Activities
Bird & other wildlife watching, hiking, dog walking (on leash), hunting, fishing, canoeing, and kayaking
Region
Midcoast Maine – Sagadahoc, Lincoln, Knox, Waldo
Acres
130
Directions from nearest town
DeLorme Maine Atlas and Gazetteer Map 7, B-3. From Damariscotta, go 9.9 miles south on Route 130, turning left on the Old County Road (at the Bristol Library). The Preserve parking and kiosk is on the left after 0.8 miles, before the Carpenter’s Boatshop.
