QUICK TRAIL FACTS
- Preserve Size: Not sure
- Trail Mileage: ~2 miles in network
- Pets: yes
- Difficulty: easy to moderate
- Sights: saltwater marsh, streams, pond, granite ledges
This is a lovely trail system, which allows walkers to visit a quiet pond that is an excellent swimming hole. The area, protected by Midcoast Conservancy, is marked with visible blazes and is easy to follow, even with snow on the ground. It takes you to the edge of the pond, including to rocky ledges overlooking the water.
There is an unmarked trail around the pond that crosses private property. You can also access the pond from Gross Neck Road, which is private land that the owners have allowed the public to use as long as they don’t litter, light fires, camp, or cut trees.
The loop from Dutch Neck Road is roughly 1.6 miles. The spur from Gross Neck Road to the blazed trails is 0.6 miles.
Directions: Take Route 1 North past Damariscotta and get off (turn right) at West Main Street. Turn right onto Route 32, and after 2.2 miles, turn left onto Dutch Neck Road. Parking for the trailhead is about .3 miles on the right, behind the community center.
There is also a trail on Gross Neck that is a lot shorter to get to the pond… in case you don’t wanna walk that far.. it is maybe a 5 min walk…at most
It’s actually gross pond .locals call it peters it’s not a place you want to walk on ice. Years ago my cousins dog was walking on it and went through he couldn’t help him he drowned its natural ground feed
Where is that trail? And is it on conservation land, or private land?
How sad! Thank you for the warning.
One of my finest days. I was running and my pal picked me up on my way home, to take me to Peter’s Pond. It was a hot and sticky day, and off the granite I went. Swan to the middle and came back. The pond is so clean and blue. it was one of those “moments” that one never forgets. The area is so beautiful and the pond was a welcome hidden treasure.
Correct me if I’m wrong. I think Peter’s Pond is spring fed.
I am sure you are right! It is so deep, and isn’t that often an indication? But I couldn’t find any info online.