QUICK TRAIL FACTS
- Preserve Size: ~130 acres
- Trail Mileage: 2 miles in network
- Pets: yes
- Difficulty: easy
- Sights: Alamoosook Lake, Craig Pond
Craig Brook Fish Hatchery trails in orange; Great Pond Mountain trails in blue
The Craig Brook Fish Hatchery has been raising endangered sea-run Atlantic salmon since the late 19th century to stock Maine rivers. Along with going for a walk in the mature mixed forest here, and a highly recommended swim afterward, you can visit the hatchery’s visitors center and Atlantic Salmon Fly Fishing Museum.
The paths on the nature trails, which are marked with wooden signs, connect Alamoosook Lake to Craig Pond. They’re roughly a mile apart. There are picnic tables along Alamoosook Lake, a couple of them quite secluded, and a beach for swimming on the lovely, clear, clean, aquamarine Craig Pond, which my friend referred to as “the Caribbean of Maine.”
Note: I don’t believe I quite found every trail here, since my map doesn’t match up exactly with theirs.
Directions: You can park at the hatchery at 306 Hatchery Road in East Orland. Turn onto Hatchery Road from Route 1 and drive to the end where the facility is.
