The two connected loops that circle the woods around the public boat launch are wonderful places to explore. Some of the forest is old growth, creating cool, dim forests. There are a few creeks. For the most part, they paths are easy to walk, other than a root or rock here and there. There are bog bridges over the swampy bits. You can also check out Cobbosseeconte Lake.

A couple of trails intersecting the main walking paths connect to the nearby Camp Cobbossee. The town trails are well marked and easy to follow, though.

Directions: From Route 135, turn right on to Launch Drive. You can park in one of two places off Boat Launch Drive in East Monmouth, either at the boat launch or a bit earlier on the access road, where there is a small lot to the right. The walking trails leading into the woods are well marked.

This sanctuary, protected by the Stanton Bird Club, contains 401 acres, two short summits, one lovely pond called Mud Pond and views from three elevated lookouts along the trail! The sanctuary has two trail systems that don’t connect, with two separate parking lots, and offers more than four miles or so of paths. The trail system off of Town Farm Road has the greater mileage and the views, while the short trails off of Carver Road have access to Mud Pond and Jock Stream. The paths are well marked. Dog owners take note — no dogs allowed here.

Be ready to do a bit of climbing. From the Town Farm Road trailhead, you can take the Blue Trail clockwise to reach lookouts one, two, and three in succession. The first is just about 0.35 miles from the trailhead, which along with Lookout two, offers views of Woodbury Pond, while the third looks west, over Mud Pond and some distant mountains at the horizon.

The White Trail on this side does a big loop which brings you down close to Mud Pond. While you can see the water through the trees, the trail doesn’t actually bring you to its shores. Go to the Carter Road trailhead if you want access to Mud Pond. The trails on the Carter Road side are like old woods roads — wide and easy and they’re blocked by a gate. The pond is the main attraction on this side, which is localed 0.4 miles from the trailhead.

Another quick note: there is a short loop off the Town Farm Road trailhead called the Yellow Trail. The stream crossing on the outer loop can be tricky. To avoid it, take the bypass.

Directions: To get to the bigger of the two trail systems, the eastern network, from Lewiston, take Route 9 north to Monmouth and turn left on Town Farm Road and drive about a mile to the trailhead on the left. To access the western trail system from Lewiston (the Mud Pond portion), take Route 9 north to Monmouth and turn left on Carver Road (a dirt road) which immediately crosses the power line corridor. Trailhead will be on the right.

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