QUICK TRAIL FACTS
- Preserve Size: 444 acres
- Trail Mileage: 2.1 miles one way
- Pets: yes
- Difficulty: easy to moderate
- Sights: spruce-fir forests, Hurds Pond
You can walk from Swan Lake Ave. (Route 141) to Oak Hill Road, an approximately 2.1-mile (one way) trail on Coastal Mountain Land Trust’s protected 444-acre block here. The trail starts off on an overgrown little path and comes to a section of bog boards. After this wet area, you’ll walk through pretty regenerating forest to the wetlands around Hurd’s Pond. There’s a picnic table at the mid-way point, by the brook.
The second half, I found, from the brook to Route 141, was tricky. The stream crossing was difficult, and there are some medium-sized rocks to clamber over. Additionally, I waded through thigh-high weeds and wet patches. The trail could use some more bog boards and/or boardwalks and bridges. Perhaps that is in the works?
Directions: From Route One in Belfast, head north on High Street/Route 137 from Route One for approximately 1.8 miles, then take a slight right onto Oak Hill Road. In 2 miles, the Hauk-Fry Tract will be on your right. There is a small parking lot here. The land trust advises against parking on Route 141, but you could do it as the trailhead has a small pullover.
