Jagolinzer Preserve

I love walks where you step away from urban life (like a busy road) and into a forest that makes you feel you are very far away. The 20-acre Jagolinzer Preserve is so pretty and calming. Despite the trail only being one mile or so, you can walk to the banks of the Saco River, along a mossy-stoned stream, and to a wall of big boulders that was once a dam. Below the dam, accessed by a steep little path, is one of the prettiest waterfalls I’ve seen in Maine! It’s multi-tiered, multi-pooled. The water parts ways and swoops around a little island. This enchanting preserve is protected by the Francis Small Heritage Trust.

From the parking area to the waterfall, it’s about 0.3 miles. If your dog needs a treat, you’ll find one in a little box marked with a bone! From the waterfall, it’s another 0.25 miles to the river. It looks like a nice place for a dip, if you are mindful of the current.

The walk back requires a bit of an uphill climb. The slightly easier option is to take the Bypass Trail. The paths are mostly easy, but are uneven, with roots and at least one muddy section. If you do the outermost loop, it’s just under 1 mile.

Directions: Turn off Route 25 in Limington onto a little road called Olive’s Way. You’ll see a sign for the preserve both from Route 25 and on Oliver’s Way. The parking lot is quite large.