Colby College - Perkins Arboretum

The Perkins Arboretum is a trail network of about 4 miles by Colby College offering quiet, shaded paths through the forest for walking and cross-country skiing.
Trail Activity
Cross-country-skiing Walking Hiking
Length
3.80 miles, Network
Difficulty
Easy, Moderate
Town
Waterville
Surface
Dirt/Forest Floor
Pets
Permitted
Fees
No

Description

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.

Other Information

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.

Trail Manager

Visit the Colby College Arboretum Guide online for more information or contact:

Colby College

Colby College
4000 Mayflower Hill
Waterville, ME 04901
Phone: (207) 859-4000
View website

Nearby Events

VIEW EVENTS CALENDAR

Trail Tips

Dispose of Waste Properly
Keep Maine green and clean! Pick up trash, even if it's not yours. Leave soon-to-be trash like excess packaging, stickers, and twist ties at home.
Legend
Hide All

Trailhead Information

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.

Click on a parking icon to get custom directions
Please Log In or Create Account to add comments.
debcrump
July 22, 2015
A well maintained and great trail. The front walks are easy and further in the walk is more energetic. The result is a nice mixed experience and a beautiful walk.
These awesome businesses support our goal of connecting people to outdoor adventures in Maine!
Hang Tight!
Nearby services are loading
No Results
No Services Found
SHARE THIS TRAIL

Add Trail Log

Please wait…
Join In on the Fun!
Log in or create an account below to unlock all the great features of Maine trail finder: keep track of trails you want to do, preserve memories of trails you’ve done, earn badges, and more!
Your log in attempt was not successful. Please try again.
    Lost your password? Reset your password
    Don't yet have an account?
    There was an issue with your submission. Please try again.
      * Indicates required field
      Already have an account? Login here
      Enter your username, and we will send you a new, randomly generated password to your email account.
      There was an issue with your submission. Please try again.

        Success! A new password has been emailed to you.

        Log in now

        Please wait…