Viles Arboretum

Explore trails meandering through a mix of fields and woods with rich history and stunning displays of flora and fauna.
Trail Activity
Hiking Walking Mountain-biking Snowshoeing Cross-country-skiing
Length
5.20 miles, Network
Difficulty
Easy
Town
Augusta
Surface
Dirt/Forest Floor, Gravel/Crushed Stone, Rock/Ledge, Boardwalk/Bog Bridging
Pets
Permitted
Fees
No

Description

Viles Arboretum offers year-round recreation opportunities for hiking, biking, skiing and snowshoeing - all accessible at no cost. Trails that offer access to a wide variety of habitats make the Arboretum an incredible destination for wildlife watching. The Arboretum's botanical collections feature native and non-native plants of statewide importance.

Outer Loop (1.75 miles, Blue Blazes)
The Arboretum's longest continuous trail. Trail surfaces are primarily mowed fields, with about a quarter of the trail passing through unimproved forest floor. Most of the elevation change is gradual, although there is a rather steep hill located along the forested portion of the trail. Notable features along this trail include the wetland boardwalk. Accessible to most bike and stroller use.

Inner Loop (0.75 miles, Yellow Blazes)
This trail travels primarily through forest cover and experiences moderate elevation change. Trail surfaces vary from mowed field, to packed gravel and unimproved forest floor. Notable features along this trail include the historic AMHI cistern, Piggery, and Viles Pond. This trail features three bridges and a rock staircase. Not recommended for bike or stroller access. 

Bobolink Trail (0.5 miles, Orange Blazes)
A short trail that travels entirely through fields, Trail surface is exclusively mowed grass, however the trail surface is uneven and bumpy., This rail is designed to provide a unique opportunity for bird watching and wildlife viewing. Recommended for foot traffic only.

HemlockTrail (0.60 miles, Green Blazes)
This narrow trail travels entirely across unimproved forest floor. It features a long stretch of narrow, single board-width, bog bridges. An excellent trail for wildlife viewing. Recommended for foot traffic only. 

Connector Trails
There are several, unnamed, connector trails throughout the trail system. 

Other Information

Viles Arboretum is an independent, non profit 501 c(3) organization supported by membership fees, donations and gifts. 
 
The Arboretum also offers a visitor center with restrooms, educational exhibits, hands on learning opportunities, a gift shop, and ski and snowshoe rentals. Guided tours, workshops, and other educational programs are available. 
 
GUIDLINES
  • Please practice leave no trace principles by staying on marked trails, respecting all plants and wildlife, and carrying out all trash and pet waste.
  • Dogs are welcome, on leash and must be cleaned up after.
  • The following are not permitted anywhere on Arboretum grounds, including parking lots:
  • Smoking, fires, grills, or combustibles of any kind.
  • Hunting, trapping, or fishing.
  • Climbing trees or art installations.

Trail Manager

Visit Viles Arboretum online for more information or contact:

Viles Arboretum

Viles Arboretum
153 Hospital Street
Augusta, ME 04330
Phone: (207) 626-7989
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Nearby Events

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Trail Tips

Plan Ahead and Prepare
Know your limits – it’s okay to turn back. Your home is the ultimate destination, not the summit.
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Trailhead Information

From North: Take I-95 Exit 113 for Augusta/Belfast. Continue straight on ME Route 3 through two traffic lights crossing the Kennebec River. After the bridge, turn right at the traffic light at the intersection of ME Route 3 and US Route 201/ME Route 100 and follow US Route 201/ME Route 100 South. Staying on US 201, US Route 202 will join on the left and in another half mile there will be a traffic circle. Take the ME Route 9/Stone Street exit (the third after entering the circle). Continue on ME Route 9 for 1.2 miles (going straight through a traffic light), and turn into the Arboretum's Visitor Center on the left.

From East: Follow US 202 to its with US 201 in Augusta, and follow the directions above from there.

From South: Take I-95 Exit 109 for Augusta-Winthrop-US 202, and head east towards Augusta on Western Avenue to the rotary. Go 180 degrees around rotary and continue on US 202/Western Avenue (2nd exit). Go over the Memorial Bridge crossing the Kennebec, and at the next rotary, take the first, immediate exit onto ME Route 9/Stone Street. Continue on ME Route 9 for 1.2 miles (going straight through a traffic light), and turn into the Arboretum's Visitor Center on the left.

Click on a parking icon to get custom directions
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navyswomom
June 16, 2016
A lovely and easy go around a beautiful preserve. Nothing fancy, but a great jog or education for the kids. Highly recommend in late spring during bloom
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