Fernald's Neck Trails

The trails on this nature preserve wind by the Great Bog, along Megunticook Lake, and up to beautiful views of the area. Hikes can be long or short and typically allow for a variety of wildlife viewing. 
Trail Activity
Walking Hiking
Length
3.60 miles, Normal
Difficulty
Easy, Moderate
Towns
Camden, Lincolnville
Surface
Dirt/Forest Floor, Rock/Ledge, Boardwalk/Bog Bridging
Pets
Not Permitted
Fees
No

Description

Dominated by thick stands of mature pine and hardwoods, Fernald's Neck Preserve covers most of a large peninsula that juts into the north end of Megunticook Lake. Nearly 3 miles of shoreline are protected by the preserve. Its uninterrupted forests are particularly impressive when viewed from the water, and many visitors approach by canoe or small boat. 

Four miles of easy/moderate trails weave through the peninsula. Trail blazes are colored to match the trail name. Shoreline swimming is accessible along the Orange Trail via Balance Rock, and the White Trail. The Orange Trail and the far end of the Blue Trail are rocky and hilly, making them the most challenging areas of the trail network. Trails are marked with paint and with signs and maps at intersections.

Wildlife watching is particularly good where the Blue Trail and Orange Trail run along the edge of the Great Bog. Along the lakeshore, keep an eye out for bald eagles and other animals that rely on the 1,300-acre lake for their livelihood. Another feature on the Orange Trail is Balance Rock, a large boulder that seems to be balanced precariously on the bedrock. For families with small children this is both exciting and accessible. The boulder is just a short walk from the trailhead on the Orange Trail, accessible via the main Blue Trail.

 

Other Information

  • The preserve is open during daylight hours. Gate closes daily at 7:30 pm.
  • No dogs, hunting, camping, or bicycles. 
  • Groups larger than 12 must obtain permission before using the preserve.
  • Parking is limited in the winter and on sunny summer days.

Trail Manager

For more information about the trails and the people that care for them, visit the Coastal Mountains Land Trust online or contact:

Coastal Mountains Land Trust

Coastal Mountains Land Trust
101 Mount Battie Street
Camden, ME 04843
Phone: (207) 236-7091
info@coastalmountains.org
View website

Nearby Events

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Trail Tips

Plan Ahead and Prepare
Avoid hypothermia, even in warm weather, by limiting your sweat and exposure to cold water. Bring warm and dry clothes in case the shivers set in.
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Trailhead Information

From Camden, drive north on ME-52 (Mountain Road) for 4.6 miles. Turn left onto Fernald's Neck Road; at the Y, stay left to stay on Fernald's Neck Road. Continue 0.5 miles to the end of the road where parking is available. 

Click on a parking icon to get custom directions
Please Log In or Create Account to add comments.
jam
February 23, 2023
Note that the description say there are thick stands of pines.
These huge swaths of pine trees make for some very cold trail hiking in the winter.
There is very little sun shining through these trees.
With snow on the ground it can be much colder then most folks are comfortable with.
I’ve been there twice this winter 2022/23.
Both times were bright sunny days, but in the wood it was very very cold.
paulabourque
February 22, 2021
Snowshoed this trail after a fresh snowfall and it was incredibly beautiful. Trails were well marked until we got to the summit's "scenic view" and then with the new snow it took us awhile to find the marking. Views all along both orange and blue trails were wonderful. Peaceful woods, scenic waters, picturesque hills; this trail has it all. Definitely want to go back during other seasons. Took a good 3 hours.
alfredmiami
August 04, 2020
Nice trail ! Very peaceful. We did both trails ( the blue and the orange) in 2,5 hours. We saw 2 deers !!! Love it.
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