QUICK TRAIL FACTS
- Preserve Size: 34 acres
- Trail Mileage: ~2.2 miles in network
- Pets: yes
- Difficulty: moderate
- Sights: Kennebec River, beach
(Philbrick Trails in blue, DeBe River Trail in red)
To access the trails, you have to wind around the perimeter of a water treatment plant, keeping to the outside of a metal fence. But as soon as you turn into the woods and cross a little stream, you arrive at a beautiful spot along the Kennebec River. To your left there is a large sandy area between the trail and river — it could be a good place to swim? The water seems to flow more gently into the curve of the river here.
Then you can continue walking along the river before reaching another river access, this one smaller and stonier. The trails from this point head steeply up! If you stick to the riverside, you’ll pass an eroded area along the bank, take care — the path runs high above the river. The views are dramatic across and down to the river.
The whole trail system is blazed and color-coded and easy to follow. Most of the trails are wide and often smooth, albeit with Maine’s ubiquitous roots. Be ready for steep hills!
Directions: The trailhead to Philbrick Trails is at the end of Joyce Street next to the water treatment station. There is a little trail map and information panel at the trailhead. Walk around the fenced perimeter of the treatment plant to access the trail system.
