QUICK TRAIL FACTS
- Preserve Size: 87,563 acres
- Trail Mileage: 1.1 miles one way
- Pets: yes
- Difficulty: easy
- Sights: Deasey Pond, Sandbank Stream
Deasey Pond and Esker Trails are relatively easy, there-and-back trails in the National Monument that bring you to two remote ponds. You can access both from the same parking area, and both are close to Sandbank Stream campground, which has three sites. Deasey Pond is 0.7 miles one way and Esker Trail is about 0.4 miles one way.
To reach Deasey Pond, you’ll find the trail close to the entrance of the large parking area, on the north side. The trail brings you through forest to a viewing platform by the pond, with benches. There’s a bit of an uphill at the start, following by a stretch along what I believe is a high esker.
Esker Trail is across the road, Swift Brook Road, and also close to the entrance of the parking area. Walk through woods and up the impressive esker. When the trail reaches a junction, head down a short hill and take a right to access a short trail along the pond that ends at a bench overlooking the water. You can also start Esker Trail from the trailhead at this end, which has a smaller parking area.
Directions: The trails, in the Katahdin Woods and Waters Monument, are reached via Swift Brook Road, which is a dirt road but accessible for low-clearance cars. You may be more comfortable in a high-clearance car, however. If you’re coming from the south and driving north on Route 95, you’ll want to get off in Sherman, for Route 158/Route 11, I believe it is exit 264. Turn left onto Route 158, and in 0.4 miles, turn left onto Route 11 west. Drive for 5 miles, and continue straight when the road turns to dirt and becomes Swift Brook Road. On your left at this intersection will be Grindstone Road. Continue straight on this road for about 10.5 miles (you’ll have to drive over a scary bridge!). You’ll pass Sandbank Stream Campground on your left, and the first parking area, for Esker Trail, is on your left in about 0.3 miles after the campground. The parking area for Deasey Pond is about 0.4 miles after the first Esker trailhead, on the right. Distances are approximate.
