The China School Forest contains approximately 50 acres of managed forest-land. There is a network of trails throughout the area with two basic loops (approximately .25 mile each) and one trail that runs the length of the property (approximately .75 mile, one way). The trails are easy for school children to walk. They were created by skid roads from two forest harvests in the mid-1990's and have a gentle grade. The trails have approximately 15 different "outdoor classroom" areas that highlight forestry techniques or natural features, including a small pond and walkway, a small outcrop of bedrock,a stream and a large tree-house built around a large white pine. Interpretive signs are posted at most of the outdoor classroom areas.
Two small covered pavilions near each trailhead have picnic tables near for family picnics. Groups may contact the schools or town office for tour information. More detailed descriptions of the outdoor classrooms can be found in the notes section of our Facebook page.
The China School Forest was selected as the 1997 Outstanding Maine Tree Farm and was runner-up for the Northeast Region. It also received an Education Award from the Arbor Day Foundation in 1997. Several teachers from the China Schools have been recognized state-wide and nationally for their work in environmental education.
The forest trails are open to the public, but visitors are asked to check in at one of the schools if they visit during school hours. There are no public restrooms in the area, but a port-a-potty may be available in the summer months at the nearby ball fields.
Visit China School Forest online for more information or contact:
The trails are located off Route 202/9 (Lakeview Drive) in China, Maine behind the China Schools. There are two trailheads:
The China Middle School trailhead is located behind the school soccer field, just north of the school
The China Primary School trailhead is located to the right of the school, leading east from the bus circle. Kiosks at each trailhead have a large posted map of the trails. Paper maps are usually located at the Primary School kiosk. Parking is located in the school parking lots or on the gravel parking lot by the ball fields.
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