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!

ROUND THE MOUNTAIN TRAIL OPENING
After two seasons of work, a 4.5-mile, out-and-back section of the trail on Ragged Mountain is open for hiking, running, and biking. Access is available only from the Camden Snow Bowl (See Trail Map for details).

Construction of the trail beyond 4.5 miles is ongoing. For your safety and the safety of our contractor, the trail beyond 4.5 miles is closed! PLEASE stay off this clearly marked section of trail, closed 24/7. Our contractor is working incredibly hard to finish this section of trail through to the Thorndike Brook Trailhead (also closed), and we expect it to open next spring.

Please follow all trail guidelines (posted at the kiosks). Share the trail and be respectful of other users. Bikers, please go slow, communicate your approach, and pass slowly. Please do not skid around corners.

Trail conditions may necessitate closures this winter and spring. All closures will be to protect the trail from long term damage. Closures will be posted online, at all access points to the trail.

The Round the Mountain trail connects to nearly 25 miles of existing mountain biking and hiking trails, managed by CMLT and our partners, the Camden Snow Bowl (www.camdensnowbowl.com) Midcoast New England Mountain Biking Association (www.mcnemba.com), and Georges River Land Trust (www.georgesriver.org) Please respect rules for other trails.

OUR PRESERVES

PRESERVE USE GUIDELINES

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

• Motorized vehicles, bikes, and horses are not allowed on most Preserves* unless marked (many trails on Ragged Mountain are open for bike use).

• 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.***

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

** Dogs are not permitted at the Fernald's Neck or Hodson Preserves. Dogs can be off leash under strict voice control at certain Preserves where explicitly posted at kiosks. If not posted, dogs must be on leash.

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

HUNTING

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

• Predator hunting and trapping is prohibited.

• Temporary deer stands are allowed 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.

TEMPORARY TRAIL CLOSURES

CURRENT CLOSURES 12/09/2020: NONE

Construction, reconstruction, access road, and trail conditions sometimes necessitate temporary trail and Preserve closures. We close off trails to protect them from damage, to protect users, and to protect our contractors and volunteers who are working on trails. These occur mostly in late March - April (mud season) when heavy snow melt and rain lead to soft and muddy conditions. Without these closures, trails can become rutted, eroded, and unpleasant. In some cases they can become inaccessible. During closures we are working as hard as we can to get them back open. Please be patient.

During mud season please limit 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.

Thank you for staying off closed trails!

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 guided hikes and paddles. We have 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 Seasonal Stores 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 the community 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 exploring the natural history of Mid-Coast Maine. All events 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..