Meadowbrook Forest, Ellsworth and Surry

Among the miles of logging roads on this 2,030 acres are two long loops, each about 5 miles, one that starts on the northern side of the property and the other on the southern side. The trails are made up almost entirely of dirt lanes — most of them very easy and flat. The Blue Hill Heritage Trust has helpfully posted the loops with “loop” signs and arrows to keep you oriented. It’s ideal for x-c skiing after a fresh snow! Mostly flat, the peaceful northern 3.6-mile loop swings through forest and across a couple of beautiful brooks, and is accessed via a 0.6-mile leg from the trailhead gate off Route 1.

In addition, you can access the forest from the Surry side, too, from Surry Road. This loop of 3.8 miles is accessed by a 0.7-mile leg, and again, is perfect for skiing, running, or going for a long, easy walk in a managed forest. You can also explore a number of side trails, all marked on the official map.

Note: When we visited in the winter, the short uphill access road off Route 1 to the trailhead gate hadn’t been plowed, and we didn’t want to risk trying to get in without four-wheel drive. So we parked up the street at the closed weigh station, about 0.4 miles away.

Directions: A sign marks the preserve, which is off Route 1 between North Bend Road and Christian Ridge Road in Ellsworth. The road is approximately 1.7 miles from North Bend Rd and 2.1 miles from the Christian Ridge Rd. The access road is almost directly opposite the 567 Bucksport Rd. address. Drive up a short hill and park in the small lot in front of the gate. For the Surry access, follow these instructions from the land trust: “The Surry parking lot and trail head is located on Jill’s Lane, off the Surry Rd/172, approximately 0.25 miles beyond the Surry Post Office heading towards Ellsworth.