The Perkins Arboretum is composed of just under 4 miles of trails, passing through an open field before becoming more secluded in the forest of birch, maple, and oak trees. The paths offer a quiet escape from nearby downtown Waterville, and Colby's campus. During winter months, trails are maintained primarily for cross-country skiing, and are utilized by the Colby nordic team, as well as recreational skiiers.
Trails are marked with blue, green, yellow, white, and purple blazes. The green-blazed trail begins behind Foss Parking Lot, and loops around, ending behind the tennis courts. The green blazed trail is connected to the yellow via a short purple path. The loop marked in yellow will lead to the oldest trees in the preserve, an impressive stand of Eastern Hemlocks that are more than 100 years old. From here, following the white or red markings will end at the railroad tracks that run parallel to Messalonskee Stream. Off of the yellow trails, taking the blue trail will lead out of the forest, into a clearing, and up towards the Runnels Hill trails.
The Colby College Perkins Arboretum is part of a 128 acre preserve established in 1946, and later dedicated to the memory of Professor and Mrs. Edward Henry Perkins. Professor Perkins was an outdoor enthusiast and chairman of the Department of Geology for 16 years until his death in 1936. Mrs. Perkins was a member of the College staff for 18 years. In 1969, the Colby Board of Trustees expanded the boundaries of the area to its current size, "to be preserved and protected in its natural state without cutting or changes in the growth and natural habitat as time proceeds."
Trails are groomed for cross-country skiing from the first snow fall until March 15. During this time hikers are not permitted on the trails.
Visit the Colby College Arboretum Guide online for more information or contact:
The Colby College - Perkins Arboretum can be accessed via the Foss Parking Lot of Colby College, located on Mayflower Hill Drive in Waterville, Maine. In the back corner of the parking lot closest to the rugby field, a visible clearing in the trees marks an entrance to the trail. Additional starting places are from the back corners of the parking lot just beyond Foss Parking Lot, behind the Diamond Building.
From I-95 South (about 3 miles): Take Exit 127 for ME Route 11/ME Route 137 towards Oakland/Waterville. At the end of the ramp at the lights, turn right on to Kennedy Memorial Drive. At the next set of lights, turn left on to Washington Street. Take first right onto Lincoln Street. Just past Maine General Medical Center-Seton, Lincoln Street becomes Chase Avenue. Turn left on to Mount Merci, which becomes Charland Terrace. Turn left on to Mayflower Hill Drive, and follow this into the Colby Campus. Foss parking lot will be on the right after the rugby field.
From I-95 North (about 3 miles): Take Exit 130 for ME Route 104 towards Waterville/Winslow. Turn left on to ME Route 104/South Main Street. Turn right on to Pleasant Street. Take second left on to Gilman Street. Follow Gilman Street as it becomes Mayflower Hill Drive. Foss Parking Lot will be on the right just after the rugby field.
From Downtown Waterville (about 1.5 miles): Take North Street towards Maine General Medical Center-Thayer, over Messalonskee Stream, and up Mayflower Hill Drive. Bear left on Mayflower Hill Drive, and follow the road past the baseball field and tennis courts. Foss parking lot will be on the left.
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