QUICK TRAIL FACTS
- Preserve Size: 455 acres
- Trail Mileage: +3.4 miles in network
- Pets: yes
- Difficulty: moderate
- Sights: forests, streams
This is a wonderful town preserve, with several miles of well-marked trails. Old stone walls criscross and the parcel, which has stands of old hemlock.
Close to the North Raymond Road trailhead, you can make a number of loops, all color-coded and easy to follow. The shortest loop, the yellow-blazed Hemlock Trail, is 0.8 miles, follows a pretty stream, and has a couple of elevated walkways over wet areas. At the trailhead kiosk, you can check out a map with distances for all the trails.
On your walk, expect to do a bit of walking up and down hilly segments and navigating the usual roots, rocks, and soggy patches. The town trails intersect with unmaintained woods roads on adjacent New England Forestry Foundation land, but I’ve not had much luck following a path on this land to make a satisfying loop.
Directions: From downtown Poland and Route 26 head south on White Oak Hill Road for 2.7 miles. Turn left onto Route 11/Bakerstown Road for 0.3 miles. Take the first left onto North Raymond Road and drive 1.1 miles until you see a large parking area with a trailhead kiosk on your left.
