The Great Pond Mountain Wildlands property is a sizeable nature preserve and recreation area located in East Orland. Its 4,500 acres are comprised of woodlands, wetlands, rivers, and several small mountains, including the property’s 1,029-foot-tall namesake. Great Pond Mountain Conservation Trust (GPMCT) made their first purchase of land in the area in 2005 and have Read More
Horseback Riding
What a great way to explore Maine! Here are some trails that you can enjoy while riding on horseback. Some of these trails are also open to ATVs and snowmobiles, so be alert while riding on these paths.
Libby Hill Forest
Libby Hill Forest, located near Sebago Lake in southern Maine, houses more than 11 miles of multi-use trails in a pleasant, wooded environment. A majority of the preserve is owned by the Gray Community Endowment, an independent 501(c)(3) organization, with the remainder belonging to the Town of Gray and its school district. The plethora of Read More
Androscoggin Riverlands
When a timber company with lands along the Androscoggin River began to divest itself of its Maine holdings in the late 1980s, local residents grew concerned that the woods they had long enjoyed for traditional recreation might be subdivided and developed. They circulated petition drives, created a video about the property, and sought help from Read More
Aroostook Valley Trail
For half a century, freight and passenger cars ran a regular service through this rural region. The last freight service ended by 1960 and the rail lines were abandoned for decades. Community members saw the conversion of these rail beds into multi-use trails as a means to meet the recreational and fitness needs of local residents, lure Read More
Black Brook Preserve
Of all the towns in rapidly growing Cumberland County, Windham ranks second in percentage population increase over the past three decades. Many former farms and woodlands have sprouted housing developments and it looked as if this 105-acre property in the heart of town would be the next to go. The land, between three heavily traveled Read More
Blackstrap Hill and Wilshore Farm
At 400 feet, Blackstrap Hill is one of the highest points in Cumberland County. The hill is covered in a mix of conifers and hardwoods, with notable stands of rare black birch, mature hemlock and old-growth trees (including a white oak 14 feet in circumference!). Blackstrap Hill’s wooded slopes are visible for miles, a welcome Read More
Bradbury-Pineland Corridor
The State owns two major tracts of public land in eastern Cumberland County, both within 40 minutes of Maine’s two largest urban areas – Pineland Public Reserved Land (600 acres) and Bradbury Mountain State Park (800 acres). These two resources are located only three miles apart, and the trail corridor and park expansion created to link them with Read More
Camden Hills State Park
The Camden Hills, which offer spectacular views of Penobscot Bay and the surrounding countryside, are a popular destination both for out-of-state visitors and area residents. Camden Hills State Park sees the highest day-use of any park in Maine and its visitation keeps growing. The area’s scenic beauty is matched by its ecological significance: the Maine Read More
Dennys River
The Dennys is a river rich in superlatives. Among all the Downeast salmon rivers that are rated as “outstanding” for their water quality and wildlife values, the Dennys has the richest wildlife, the most diverse riverine and riparian plant communities, and the longest stretch of river without road crossings or camps. Thanks to the efforts Read More