Camp Gustin Conservation Area, Sabattus

As of late 2023, it appears you can traverse the 95-acre former Boy Scout Camp (purchased by the Androscoggin Land Trust in 2022) along two main dirt roads. The top road, which is gated (at least sometimes), passes campsites 4-9 (you can book them!), and then heads through forest for about a half-mile before coming out on Curtis Bog. From here, the road continues, bending toward the right and going up hill, where it meets a gate and “Access by Permission Only” signs.

On the return, at the bottom of the hill, you can turn right and follow a short footpath to a bridge across Curtis Brook. A snowmobile trail continues across the brook.

Back at the main campus, you can walk along the wheelchair-accessible lower road to explore the shore of Loon Pond. Darting off the road, you can walk through some small grassy spots by the lake, including what was a gathering place with lots of benches and more campsites/picnic areas. The swimming from a couple of places along the grassy bank looks like it could be very nice on a hot summer day.

The total conserved land here is around 429 acres, according to a preserve sign, some of which is a privately owned easement.

Directions: From Sutherland Pond Road, turn onto Loon Pond Road and take it all the way to the end where there’s a turnabout. Straight ahead, the road turns to dirt. You’ll see a kiosk on your right for the preserve, and a large parking area on your left.