Coastal Mountains Land Trust

Coastal Mountains Land Trust preserves remain open and we welcome their safe use.

Please review our COVID-19 response page for current guidelines and more detailed information.

EXPLORE OUR TRAILS

TRAIL GUIDE

In Spring 2017, we published our Trail Guide. All members have received the guide, and additional copies are available by donation at our office. It is also available for download.

Coastal Mountains Land Trust doesn't currently have any preserves or trails in Brooks, Knox, Waldo or Morrill.

TAKE A HIKE
Look what happens when eight organizations get on the same page! We have had a Take a Hike brochure for years that we developed for local inns and hotels. After the 2019 Trails Challenge (that we are hosting again this summer!) we realized that having a regional map was important, for residents as well as visitors. These are all terrific organizations that we work with and appreciate - so we decided to create something to tell that story. Thank you to Maine Community Foundation for supporting our vision. Enjoy Take A Hike!

OUR PRESERVES

PRESERVE USE GUIDELINES

• All Preserves are open for low-impact public recreation during daylight hours.

• Wheeled vehicles and horses are not allowed due to trail damage.*

• Camping and fires are not allowed.

• Removal of vegetation is not allowed.

• Dogs must be leashed at all times.**

• Drones are not allowed on Land Trust preserves except by permitted use.

• Groups larger than 12 must obtain Land Trust permission prior to use of our properties.***

HUNTING

• Hunting permitted, except on Fernald's Neck, Hodson, Harkness, McPheters, and Young's Neck Preserves.

• Hunting of predators and trapping is forbidden.

• Temporary deer stands are allowed on CMLT property with Land Trust permission. Stands must be labeled with a 2x4" tag identifying the name and contact info of the stand owner, and stands must removed from our property at the end of hunting season.

* The Land Trust does maintain site specific trail agreements with various clubs to allow for limited snowmobile and mountain bike use. Please contact us for more information.

** Dogs are not permitted at the Fernald's Neck or Hodson Preserves.

*** Certain Preserves have specific restrictions and exceptions; please consult signs at the preserve entrance for details or contact the Land Trust with any questions.

MUD SEASON

Mud occurs after the snow and ice melts before the land has a chance to dry out. Typically, this means the nights are freezing and the days are warm. As the snow and ice melt and the frost is coming out of the ground, the fragile soils are saturated with water and trails become muddy.

Hiking or biking on mud causes trail damage. It widens trails and causes the thin and fragile top soil to erode away, ultimately causing harm to plants, trees, and water sources (streams, brooks, rivers) along the trail. That's why roots and rocks become exposed. Often, the months of March and April in the lower elevations and May for the higher elevations are the worst mud months.

We want everyone to enjoy the trails for as much of the year as possible, so we are not closing our trails, but, we ask that:

If there is mud, please turn around!
Stay off all trails after major rain events

You might say, But it's so nice out! I want to hike! Believe us, we get it! Hiking and biking are what we live for, and it's hard to beat spring fever and the excitement of getting in the woods. But, be prepared to turn around if the trail is muddy. Rock is durable. Hard, dry soil is durable. Mud is not durable. Help us protect the trail for use the rest of the year by turning around when you come upon a muddy section. Bottom line is that we want everyone to enjoy them for a long time so we're not closing the trails, but, if there is mud, please turn around!

During mud season please limit motorized vehicle access to these Coastal Mountains Land Trust's properties located on unpaved roads: Fernalds Neck, Lincolnville; St. Clair Preserve, Knights Pond Road, Northport; Main Stream Preserve, Stockton Springs.

We ask everyone to please respect the signage you see.

ATTEND AN EVENT

We can't wait to see you for community gatherings, group hikes, nature walks, and kids events when we're on the other side of this health crisis.

We offer many ways for community members to be involved in our organization—we truly have something for everyone! There are get-your-hands-dirty volunteering events, winter snowshoe/ski outings, year-round hikes, guided paddles, trail and fun runs. We have plenty of kid-friendly events: pack your basket for a summer solstice picnic, kick up your heels at Arts on the Hills music, try your hand at raking and winnowing at our organic blueberry farm, munch on blueberries at August’s berry picks, and enjoy Blueberry Tales with Camden Public Library's Miss Amy.

To sign up, please contact us with the name and date of the event in the subject line.

BEECH HILL BLUEBERRIES

The mission of the Beech Hill Organic Blueberry Farm program is to demonstrate organic blueberry management practices and to promote a greater understanding in the community of the benefits of an ecologically organic blueberry farm. Coastal Mountains Land Trust has been managing Beech Hill Preserve's blueberry fields since 2003. Currently, there are 25 acres of MOFGA-certified organic blueberries.

COASTAL MOUNTAINS NATURE PROGRAM

The Coastal Mountains Nature Program hosts a series of monthly walks and occasional talks exploring the natural history of Mid-Coast Maine. All walks take place on the first Saturday of the month from 10 a.m. until noon unless otherwise specified. Each walk has a particular area of focus, led by a knowledgeable leader, and participants are encouraged to share their knowledge of anything that we discover. Stay tuned for 2021 schedule..