Lilly Pond Community Forest

(Trails in light blue are walking paths; trails in green are multi-use trails that can be muddy in places. Trails in deep blue are mountain bike paths.

This is a great place to go if you want to go for a long walk! Especially if you don’t mind including looping mountain bike paths and occasionally muddy ATV tracks. Much of this area is lovely, especially around the marsh and pond.

Kennebec Estuary Land Trust has over the years increased the size of its preserve and expanded its trail system, creating a system of blazed walking paths through the forest here, which is lined with old stone walls. If you stick to these fantastic footpaths, the going is easy/moderate. A few of the trails throughout the preserve are rooty and rocky, with the Marshall Lane (the main path to the pond) being the widest and most gentle.

Highlights of the preserve are quiet spots along the edge of Lilly Pond — the headwaters of Whiskeag Creek — and the marsh. Also, once you gain enough elevation on the trails on the east side of the preserve, you can catch glimpses of the Kennebec River.

There are many other intersecting trails and snowmobile tracks here that cover a lot of miles. Some of the ones near Hyde School are nice — wide and in good condition.

Directions: The best and safest place to park is a lot that’s big enough for eight or so cars at 150 High Street. Look for what looks like a residential driveway on the right (if you’re coming from Bath). The neighboring house’s mailbox is 156 High Street. Once you drive up a slight rise, you’ll see the trail kiosk. You can also park on Marshall Street, in the Goddard Pond lot. Walk south on High Street for approximately 500 feet, just past Getchell Street, to the preserve entry on the right.