Quarry Hill and MVLT Founders Preserves

The Midcoast Conservancy and the town protect about 400 acres here, including hayfields, wetlands, forests, and the quarry. The quarry pool is a great swimming destination in the summer, and a possible ice skating one in winter. There’s a little unmarked footpath around the quarry.

If you continue 0.2 miles up the plowed road past the quarry, you’ll come to the MVLT Founders kiosk and trailhead. The road you’re on continues as a a snowmobile trail through the blueberry barrens, which are stunningly beautiful in the fall as they change color. (This trail continues past the barrens, but I didn’t include it on my map.)

If you explore the MVLT Founders trails, you’ll set off on the 1.75-mile Woods and Field Trail loop, which begins by edging the barrens. At about 0.3 miles, head right into the woods. Look out for trail markers since there are quite a few interlacing woods roads and snowmobile trails in the area. This trail is also rough in areas, with some steep sections. The land trust describes it as “challenging.”

A short while farther, you’ll emerge on lovely fields crossed by a power line. The path takes you around the field and then up on a ridge and back into the forest where you meet the 1-mile Boundary Path loop. The Boundary Trail is wet and impassable during the warm months, according to a trail sign, because of beaver activity. Other areas along the power line are also wet. (In the winter, it’s all frozen over, so the only thing you have to worry about is your boots sliding out from under you — a common occurrence in my life.) 

Important note: You can pick wild blueberries for free here in season!

Directions: From Route 1, turn onto Depot Street and go about 0.7 mile. You’ll see a sign for Quarry Hill on the right. You can drive up the dirt road and park near the quarry and pond, or continue another 0.2 miles to the MVLT kiosk, where it’s easier to park in winter if you have a four-wheel drive.