QUICK TRAIL FACTS
- Preserve Size: 110 acres
- Trail Mileage: 2.7 miles in network
- Pets: yes
- Difficulty: easy
- Sights: forested wetlands, Branch River, pollination meadow
McKeon Reserve trails in green; Sanford Forest in red; Hall Environmental Reserve in orange; Rail Trail in blue.
The trails at this Mousam Way Land Trust preserve connect to the long, delightful Sanford-Springvale Rail Trail and are almost directly opposite the Sanford Forest, so you can go for a substantial expedition here.
But if you stick just to the McKeon trails, you’ll most likely enjoy your outing! Though they seem a tad under-used, many of the trails are wide, sandy, and flat. They sweep around a meadow and bring you to a pretty spot with a bench by a beaver pond and brook (Branch River). This area is reachable via the Outcrop Trail, which is named for an interesting geological formation that creates a high point over the river. You can also check out a tree growing between a split erratic (marked as Rock Tree on the official map).
Directions: Parking is at one of two places off Blanchard Road. One is at the Sanford Community Garden—just drive up the entryway a short distance and park in the lot next to the garden. The second smaller parking area is a bit farther along Blanchard Road, and connects to the Meadow Trail.
