Green Point Wildlife Management Area

Wonderful dirt lane to river in orange; other trails in blue.

This is an idyllic walk in many ways — the main trail (a dirt lane) is easy, flat, charming, and passes through an old orchard, by small ponds, and brings you to beautiful views over the Kennebec River. It’s popular with birders. The best route is along an old dirt road which ends at a point with views down river, about 0.6 miles from Route 128. There are two benches and a picnic table at this outlook. I think it might also be possible to go swimming?

You’ll also see a slightly fainter old road that veers off to the right, taking you to a large meadow. Additionally, there are other less-used trails through fields on this side of the conservation area.

You can also explore more of the wildlife management area if you drive a bit farther north on Route 128 and turn onto a little dirt road called Farm Road. Park at the gate. If you follow the track through the field, you’ll reach a 19th-century family cemetery. (If you want to explore this side of the parcel, your best bet is to visit in early spring or late fall, since it can get quite grassy and overgrown.) There’s more to see over here than is indicated on my map — I’ll be back to investigate!

Natural Resources Council of Maine has more info.

Directions: From Route 197 in Dresden, turn onto Route 128 (or the River Road) in Dresden. The management area is about two miles south of the intersection with Rte. 197. There is a sign for the area and a big parking lot on the right next to a large green building. To directly access the dirt road, drive past the green building and meadow and park at the smaller gravel lot in front of the gated road. This is the road to the picnic area.