Carroll Farm Trail at Sweetgrass Farm Winery

At this amazing place, you can take a walk through expansive meadows to a quiet spot by the Medomak River and then pop into Sweetgrass Farm Winery & Distillery’s tasting room to try their delicious wines. I bought a bottle of apple wine and was tempted by the cranberry-apple one as well.

The Midcoast Conservancy trail system includes easy mown paths through meadows and a narrower, moderate footpath through the woods. If you park at the winery, you’ll find the trail by walking behind the main buildings and tasting room — it’s easy to see and is marked with a sign. To reach the river’s edge at the northern end of the property, you’ll make a delightful half-mile walk through grassland and a short stretch of woods. Much of the farm is managed for wildlife.

From the river, if you’re continuing the loop, you’ll pass through more fields until you reach a picnic table nestled among pines by the river. This spot is close to the road, the second trailhead, and a canoe launch.

The final 0.4-mile stretch back to the winery follows a blazed path through woods. While this trail feels as if it doesn’t get much foot traffic, it’s easy to follow. The full loop is about 1.3 miles.

There might be some wet spots in the fields. I wore a pair of rubber boots after it had been raining and was pleased I had them.

Directions: (From the land trust:) The address is 347 Carroll Road in Union. From Route One, Waldoboro, heading north on Route One, take a left onto Route 220 north and follow it for approximately ten miles. Take a right on Calderwood Road, just after crossing Route 17. Continue for two miles and take a right on Old Union Road, followed by a left onto Carroll Road., which will be your second left. Parking is at Sweetgrass Farm Winery or on the northern side of Carroll Road just after crossing the Medomak River, along the road’s shoulder.