Packard Trail

Two-mile, five-foot wide loop trail which meanders through a hardwood forest, amongst talus slopes, whalebacks, and waterfalls, providing remote access to and views of South Pond.
Trail Activity
Mountain-biking Hiking
Length
2.20 miles, Network
Difficulty
Moderate
Town
Buckfield
Surface
Dirt/Forest Floor, Grass
Pets
Permitted
Fees
No

Description

The Packard Trail is a 2-mile trail network designed to support year round activities such as hiking, running, snowshoeing, mountain biking, and wildlife observation. The trail loop rests within approximately 150 acres of the 1,236-acre Virgil Parris Forest property and uses a forested area situated along and above the western shore of the undeveloped and protected 49-acre South Pond. The route is punctuated by innumerable scenic features including views of the pond, several marshes, and North Hill, as well as a dozen or so significant glacial erratics, and small waterfalls along two prominent streams. The trail network offers five short side trails to various scenic points including an historic family cemetery. A 0.5-mile outer loop trail departs the main loop at its southern end offering access to a waterfall on the South Pond outlet and birdwatching in the marsh.

The 2-mile loop trail has a mechanically prepared tread surface with a width of about four feet, which allows two people to walk abreast. The overall grades of the trail are kept to a minimum, offering gently rolling hills that are suitable for the very young as well as the elderly. The trail begins at the parking area, and after 100 feet, forks to the north and south. Following the trail to the north, it winds past several stone foundations, and a short side trail to the right leads to Packard Cemetery. The loop trail continues by skirting below the cemetery and in about a quarter of a mile, a very short spur trail will lead to view the first of two significant streams. The main trail turns away from the stream, and passes over the top of a rocky knoll to begin a series of switchback turns. At the bottom of the hill, another spur trail on the left leads to a scenic waterfall bordered by low cliff bands.

The trail continues along the stream, and as the land begins to gradually form into a small esker, red and white pines become the predominant forest. The ridge ends on a prominent point on South Pond and offers clear views of the pond and North Hill. The trail works along and above the shore, but turns back from the pond to maintain moderate grades in descending and climbing a second esker. Here more scenic views of the pond are had. The trail again turns away from the pond, passing over a bridge on a small stream, then climbing to the largest of the three eskers. Here the red and white pine forest is open and the views of the pond are expansive. The trail dips down to follow the shoreline for a short stretch before turning and heading uphill away from the pond, over the tops of two smaller eskers.

Here, the outer loop trail leads left to the marsh and offers beautiful views and birding opportunities. The outer loop continues on to a significant waterfall on a stream bordered by impressive glacial erratics before rejoining the main loop at its southern extent. Past the first junction, the main loop trail crosses a small stream and starts a gradual climb. It winds through hardwood forests dominated by red oaks and is dotted with numerous hefty boulders. Near the high point, the outer loop trail rejoins from the left. The main trail at this junction continues gradually climbing, taking the trail user past more large boulders while winding through a maple and oak forest. The route passes over two streams and then rejoins the access trail near the parking area.

 

Other Information

LMF Logo

This trail passes through a property that was acquired in part with funds from the Land for Maine’s Future program. For more information about the LMF program and the places it has helped to protect, please visit the LMF webpage.

Trail Manager

Visit Western Foothills Land Trust online for more information and a printable map or contact:

Western Foothills Land Trust

Western Foothills Land Trust
PO Box 107
445 Main Street
Norway, ME 04268
Phone: (207) 739-2124
info@wfltmaine.org
View website

Nearby Events

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Trail Tips

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Trailhead Information

The modest parking area and trailhead are located 1.2 miles south of ME-117 on the east side of the Sodom Road, which is maintained by the town in the winter. 

Note: When driving east from South Paris on ME-117, after crossing over Streaked Mountain, drivers should slow down as soon as Frechette's shop is in view. The right turn onto the Sodom Road is very sharp. 

Address: 352 Sodom Road, Buckfield

Click on a parking icon to get custom directions
Please Log In or Create Account to add comments.
traildogs2
November 29, 2024
Nice hike. Pretty views of the pond. We hiked this after the region received approx 4-5" of snow and we could easily follow the trail. Will go back in the Fall when no snow. Pretty flat and easy. A great way to spend a couple of hours.
old62
September 03, 2021
just hiked it, dog likes to tug me, but good trail for both of us. feels good after. p.s… dog asleep on couch.
jdnelson
April 29, 2020
Most of the trail is easy, but right now the water is high on the cascade loop....so you may get your feet wet crossing the brooks
angeipoet
August 24, 2019
A little difficult to find if you are using GPS. Once you find it, it's a great hike. Took my dog. He kept a great pace. Real clean trails, with few obstacles. Some inclines but overall a pretty easy to moderate hike. Nice views of the water.
badgerinmaine
June 29, 2016
I hiked here yesterday. A few notes:
1. Heading south on Sodom Road from ME-117, the road turns from paved to gravel/dirt after it crosses a small bridge. But the road is in good condition and is not a problem for a regular passenger car.
2. There are lots of great views of the pond on this route.
3. The main trail is very well maintained. The Cascades Trail was more overgrown and significantly more challenging. Both are well marked with square yellow plastic markers with black arrows. I was disappointed that the waterfall was pretty feeble--just a trickle about an inch wide. My hike was in late June; it must be more impressive in the spring.
4. There are a number of small wooden benches along the trail for those who want to sit and take a breather.
Overall, very worthwhile to find this spot.
wlandre75
June 19, 2016
Good trail for families. My wife and I and our 10 and 14 yr old did it today. Well groomed and easy to follow. Take the off shoot trail, it's a smaller loop around a stream and puts you right back to the main trail. We even found a spot to take the shoes off and wade into a sandy spot of water. Caught a baby snapping turtle then realized the mommy was not too far away, also saw some fish. The cemetery near the head of the trail was also pretty cool. this would be a good trail for mountain biking too. Just stay on the main trail.
shilton14@yahoo.com
November 01, 2015
What a wonderful place!!! My husband, daughter, her boyfriend and I went there today and it was well maintained , quiet and beautiful! The land trust has done an incredible job with this trail!
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