Several hiking trails are flat and wide and perfect for multi-use. Mountain bikers, snowmobilers, cross-country skiers, horseback riders are all welcome. A historic stonework mill site foundation offers a glimpse back into the history of this property.
NORTH OF THE TRAILHEAD
Katy's Way West (0.85 miles) is an easy trail leading north from the parking area to the Lean-To Loop, passing among wetlands along the way. The Lean-To Loop circles an easy 1 mile at the northern-most end of the Preserve. In addition to providing access to the lean-to, passes by an old mill site, evidence of which is still visible. Katie's Way East (0.85 miles) runs alongside a beaver meadow. In the winter, this trail creates a loop with Katy's Way West, but please note the northern half of this trail that allows for the loop is only accessible in winter. The Overlook Spur (0.35 miles) connects Katy's West and Katy's East farther to the south, allowing for a shorter loop, and passing by old observation blinds which remain from this portion of the property's former days as a big game park for bison, elk, and red deer.
SOUTH OF THE TRAILHEAD
Tracy's Mill Loop (2.25 miles) is a moderate trail beginning at the parking area on North Mountain Road and winding south along an old woods road towards the Dyer Stream, where beaver activity has created many small ponds and dams. A spur trail here, about a half mile from the trailhead, takes walkers to a beaver pond and a small waterfall. From the spur the loop turns east, passing by the Everlasting Spring. After crossing North Mountain Road the loop heads back up to the north, along which vernal pools are abundant in the spring.
Joe's Trail (1.5 miles) is accessed from the east side of Tracy's Mill Loop. Consisting mostly of two short loops connected by a spur, Joe's Trail winds up and down hills to scenic overlooks of the West Branch. On a clear day, the Camden Hills are visible from the power line clearing.
In 2012, local Boy Scout Lucas Kostenbader constructed a camping lean-to on the Somerville section as part of an Eagle Scout project. This site is now available for reservation by individuals and groups. Call Midcoast Conservancy for further information, using the phone number below. Please follow a leave no trace policy and stay on the trail to minimize your impact on the preserve. Deer and turkey hunting is allowed on the preserve. Please wear appropriate clothing and hunter orange in season.
Visit the Midcoast Conservancy website for more information or contact:
From US-1 in Nobleboro, take East Pond Road for 6.9 miles to ME-32. Turn left onto ME-32 and follow it for 0.7 miles. Turn right onto Washington Road and continue 0.4 miles. Turn left onto ME-126/Village Street for 0.1 miles. Turn right onto North Mountain Road, and continue for 1.6 miles to a parking lot on the left.
From ME-17/Rockland Road head south on Jones Road for 1.7 miles. Turn left onto North Mountain Road and continue for 0.6 miles to the parking lot on the left.
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We hiked Kate's Way East but didn't see the trail to make the shorter loop so we just backtracked.