Cross Cushing Nature Preserve, Cushing

The forests in this Georges River Land Trust peninsula are beautiful, with areas of soft moss-covered ground that sets off the dark red-brown bark of fir trees.

From the trailhead, you will reach the intersection with the loop at 0.1 mile. The loop is roughly 1.1 miles. At the far end, about half way around, you’ll come to a 0.4-mile one-way trail that appears to take you off the preserve (according to the map) down a hill—with some steep sections—to the serene, blue-green waters of the Meduncook River. The path comes out at a place that is very quiet and peaceful, with some rock ledges that might make good perches for swimming.

Additionally, there is a short trail across the street from the parking lot to Maple Juice Cove that I will check out next time I am in the area! (I’ve drawn a rough line on my Google map above.)

Directions: From the intersection of River Road/Cross Road, go about 3 miles to a small parking lot on the right side of Pleasant Point Road.