QUICK TRAIL FACTS
- Preserve Size: +500 acres
- Trail Mileage: ~11 miles in network
- Pets: yes
- Difficulty: easy to moderate
- Sights: brooks, forest wetlands, Maquoit Bay
(East Freeport trails in blue, Calderwood Preserve in yellow, accessible trail in orange, Chase Reserve in green, road section in red.)
The Freeport Conservation Trust has done a great job of linking conserved lands to make for substantial walks in quiet places. In this network, which is more than 11 miles, the Brimstone Trail connects with the Kelsey Brook trail, Gibby’s Trail, Antoinette Jackman trail, Calderwood Preserve trails, Chase Reserve trails, and Tadpole Trail. The land trust asks walkers to stay on marked trails since some of the trails cross private land.
A few highlights are the Antoinette Jackman trail, which takes you to the upper reaches of the Little River; the Kelsey Brook trail, which follows the pretty stream; and the Mitchell Ledge Trail, with views over the fields of a working farm. While most of the trails are easy, there are some ups and downs along the Kelsey Brook Trail and Mitchell Ledge Trail. Kelsey Brook also runs behind a few houses.
Note: The Kelsey Brook Trail initially follows a fence with signs saying it is electrified. The land trust asks that dogs be on a leash for this section of the trail and on the Mitchell Ledge Trail, as they are on farmland.
Directions: There are several ways to access these trails. If you start at Brimstone, turn onto Ringrose Road from Pleasant Hill Road. The trailhead and parking area are on the left, 0.2 miles down Ringrose Road. If you start on the other side, bear right from Bow Street (if you’re coming from downtown Freeport) on Flying Point Road; turn left onto Litchfield Road. Continue down Litchfield Road until it makes a sharp left, and look for a small parking area on your left. The reach Antoinette Jackman, look for the trail behind the kiosk that heads into the woods. To fine Tadpole Trail and the Calderwood Trails, walk back along Litchfield Road for 600 or so feet and turn left onto the unpaved Moose Crossing Road. Follow the pleasant road 0.3 miles and look for the trail into the woods on your right. It has a small sign.
