Posted on March 5, 2018 and last updated on February 28, 2024

Merritt Nature Trail/JHS Trail, Waterville

QUICK TRAIL FACTS

  • Preserve Size: Not sure
  • Trail Mileage: .9 miles
  • Pets: yes
  • Difficulty: easy
  • Sights: Messalonskee Stream

This trail has promise, but when I visited (in the winter of 2018 and winter of 2024) it needed attention. Some of the bridges and stairs needed repairs. The trail is not well marked — look for paths that leave the school campus and head off into the wood. There are faded blazes on trees. The trail winds its way through the woods, with pretty views of Messalonskee Stream.

You can cross the stream and connect to the Thomas College trail, but I didn’t attempt this!

Directions: From downtown Waterville, take Route 104 south. It becomes the West River Road where it crosses Messalonskee Stream at a double set of lights. Travel south until you see the Junior High School entrance and sign. Enter the school and proceed to the right beyond the school buildings.

Let me know if you have any trail updates or corrections!