Thayer Brook Preserve

Description

This 148-acre preserve contains sections of Thayer Brook, and a large 60-acre beaver flowage that has exceptional bird & wildlife values. It includes a short segment of a regional snowmobile and ATV trail, as well as mountain bike and hiking trails that connect to trails in the Libby Hill Forest. The trails are rocky and unsuitable for even the most adventuresome wheelchair users; even the ATV trail has rocks, slopes, and puddles that limit access for wheelchairs.

The multi-use (hiking, biking, and more) Mill Trail begins at the Ramsdell Road trailhead. The trail and its bridges have some large puddles and safety issues, pending improvements. Except during mud season, it is suitable for bikes and hiking, but plan on skirting a large puddle or two, or three!

The Ridge Runner Trail (0.6 miles) is a hiking trail (no motorized use) that departs from the Mill Trail and connects to the Outback Trail, which is a part of the Libby Hill trail system. Further to the north along the Mill Trail, the Upper Trail (0.5 miles) is a hiking trail that leads to additional trails in the Libby Hill trail system. A 4-mile round trip lollipop loop around a large beaver marsh may be formed by utilizing the Ridge Runner, Upper, and Libby Hill Trails.

The Connector Trail (0.1 mile) is an upper connector to the extended Ridge Runner Trail.

Visit RRCT's Thayer Brook Preserve page to learn more about the property's natural resources and history.

Please note: Thayer Brook Preserve was created in late March 2022, with certain trails opened in July 2022. More trails and more signage is ongoing.

Other Information

GUIDELINES

• Fishing is allowed.
• There is no hunting or trapping on this property, due to the neighborhood’s designation by the Maine Legislature as a wildlife sanctuary (“the Gray Game Sanctuary”).
• Preserve trails are open for biking, hiking, snowshoeing, and back-country skiing.
• ATV use is not permitted.
• Please be judicious with trail activities during spring thaw and excessively wet or saturated periods. Please help us avoid trail closures due to trail damage or rutting.
• Dogs are welcome but must be leashed, due to wildlife sensitivities unique to this parcel. Read more about the pet policy for the adjacent Libby Hill Forest trail network.
• Please respect postings on private abutting land.
• Smoking is prohibited at all RRCT preserves.

Trail Manager

For additional information, visit the Royal River Conservation Trust online, or contact: