A collaborative effort of the Maine Forest Service and the Somerset County Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD), the Yankee Woodlot in Skowhegan offers demonstration of woodland management for multiple objectives, including production of high-quality forest products, creation and maintenance of diverse wildlife habitat and pleasing aesthetics for non-motorized recreational users. The Somerset County SWCD maintains hiking trails that are open to all nonmotorized users. The trails cross through a diversity of forest habitats as well as open hay fields and are suitable for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in winter.
The Interior Loop, blazed in blue, is regularly maintained year-round and the focus of educational activities on the property, including a series of tree identification tags. A series of interpretive panels highlighting forestry practices that benefit Maine forest birds and wildlife (developed in partnership with Maine Audubon), will be installed in spring 2021. The Outer Loop, marked with orange blazes, sees less frequent monitoring and maintenance. Hikers should use caution on bridges, which can be slippery in wet conditions. Although it is possible to hike more quickly, allow an hour or two to fully appreciate the trails. Parts of the trail may be uneven due to rocks, roots, and mud; boots are suggested.
Yankee Woodlot is open for hunting; visitors should wear blaze orange during mid-October through mid-December.
Visit the Somerset County Soil & Water Conservation District online for more information or contact:
Starting at the intersection of US Routes 2 and 201 (Main Street and Water Street), take US Route 2 (Water Street) east one block and make a sharp left onto Russell Street (US Route 2 West). At the next intersection, take a right (US Route 201 North) and then a left onto Pleasant Street at the first traffic light. Continue on Pleasant Street for 0.9 miles. The trails start at the University of Maine Cooperative Extension building at 7 County Drive, which will be on your right. GPS location: 7 County Dr., Skowhegan
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