

The trailhead is right off Route 131, on Ghent Road. From Rockland, take Route 1, and turn north on Route 131, into Searsmont. To the trailhead: From Belfast, take Route 3 to Route 131, to Searsmont.

Kids can do it, depending upon their age,” he said. “It’s not as challenging as the mountain trails, but it gives you expansive views of the Georges River Valley. “It’s a quiet part of the Georges River Watershed,” he said.Īn added bonus: The Canal Path connects to The Ridge to River Trail, a 4-mile, GRLT footpath that winds its way to the top of Appleton Ridge in Appleton. And, there’s plenty of Maine’s diverse plant life to enjoy- reeds, shrubs, alders, old apple trees, wild blueberries, native wildflowers and white pine, beech, fir and spruce. It’s one of my favorite trails.”Īlong the way, bird lovers have the opportunity to spot ospreys, great blue herons, warblers, kingfishers, and more. “It is a relatively flat trail, a good option for the whole family,” said Astle. Interpretive displays provide information about the old canal.īirders search the trees on a Georges River Land Trust trail. The 3-mile trail is named after a late-1700s canal system, some of which is still visible along the Georges River. If you’d like to take it easy and see fantastic scenery to boot, then Canal Path is a perfect choice. The following are three popular but very different GRLT footpaths, ranging from easy to difficult.
#Laverna nature preserve free#
Parking areas are indicated on maps, also available at their website: To get printed maps, ask questions and learn about free events, such as guided trail hikes, you can visit the Georges River Land Trust office at 8 North Main Street, Rockland.

The land trust also provides 15 trailheads, or trail entry points, each with an information kiosk and take-along trail maps. Many trails loop and link with others, creating a network of choices that can extend your hike. Hikers have 20-plus trails to choose from, each with different lengths and terrain.

GRLT’s low-impact, well-managed and well-marked trails pass through natural wildscapes that are no more than a 30-minute drive from the coast. You feel like nobody has come before you,” said Astle. The nonprofit group maintains 60 miles of midcoast region trails called Georges Highland Path, that cover terrain divided into five, distinct sections. “We conserve land,” said the trust’s stewardship program man- ager, Jay Astle. One fine example, among many, of these grassroots groups, is Georges River Land Trust, based in coastal Rockland. Through their collaborative efforts, you can get out and jump on a footpath near you for a day-hiking adventure. These local organizations-and there are close to 100 such trusts in Maine- have worked hard to keep the state’s beautiful wild places and green spaces open for all of us. But did you know that a network of trails, managed by local and statewide land trusts, provides precious public access to hundreds of miles of scenic woods, wetlands, open fields and water views-footpaths that include urban trails? And, they’re free to explore! Maine is renowned for its hiking opportunities in the northern and western mountains and in the famed Acadia region. It’s an easy hike with great river views-a good choice for all ages. Canal Path, a 3-mile Georges River Land Trust trail in Searsmont, is laid out along the berm of a late 1700s canal system.
