Musquash Esker Trail

This trail winds along a glacial esker, passing through an ecological reserve that includes a domed bog ecosystem, and ends at a beautiful lookout over Big Musquash Stream.
Trail Activity
Accessible Adventure Snowshoeing Cross-country-skiing Walking
Length
1.40 miles, One Way
Difficulty
Easy
Town
Grand Lake Stream Plt
Surface
Gravel/Crushed Stone
Pets
Permitted
Fees
No

Description

A longtime favorite among locals, the Musquash Esker Trail is located along the former “Talmadge Road,” built along a glacial esker. Hike this ADA accessible trail while learning from the signs that display information about local ecology and glacial history, and keeping an eye out for the plants, animals, and fungi you read about. A former gravel pit at the beginning of the trail has been transformed into an expansive pollinator meadow. The path then winds through a mix of hardwood and softwood forests with views of early successional patch cuts.

There are several benches along the trail that look over ponds and an expansive fen. The trail ends at Big Musquash Stream and a viewing platform, offering gorgeous views of Amazon Mountain and more than 5,000 acres of pristine wetlands. The trail is easy and wide, with little elevation change.

Other Information

Downeast Lakes Land Trust (DLLT) is a nonprofit founded in 2001 by local residents in Grand Lake Stream, Maine. We contribute to the long-term economic and environmental well-being of the Downeast Lakes region through the conservation and exemplary management of its forests and waters. In 2001 we laid out our strategy for the future – a bold vision to protect extraordinary natural resources and a way of life. Many supporters and partners have helped us succeed in protecting over 350,000 acres of the forests, wildlife habitats, watersheds, and lake shores that can sustain the regions future. DLLT sustainably manages the 55,678-acre Downeast Lakes Community Forest, with 90 miles of lake shore, for wildlife habitat, forest products, and public recreation.

LMF Logo

This trail passes through a property that was acquired in part with funds from the Land for Maine’s Future program. For more information about the LMF program and the places it has helped to protect, please visit the LMF webpage.

Trail Manager

Visit the Downeast Lakes Land Trust online for more information or contact:

Downeast Lakes Land Trust

Downeast Lakes Land Trust
137 Milford Road
Grand Lake Stream, ME 04668
Phone: (207) 796-2100
info@downeastlakes.org
View website

Nearby Events

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Trail Tips

Respect Wildlife
Avoid known animal mating or nesting areas during sensitive times.
Legend
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Trailhead Information

From US-1, turn onto Milford Road (Grand Lake Stream Road) and travel 4.5 miles to the trailhead - a small, gravel parking lot on the right side of the road. The trailhead is approximately 0.5 miles after crossing the bridge over Big Musquash Stream.

Click on a parking icon to get custom directions
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