QUICK TRAIL FACTS
- Preserve Size: 400 acres
- Trail Mileage: 2.2-mile loop
- Pets: yes
- Difficulty: moderate
- Sights: hardwood forest, wetland
The first marked walking path on this 400-acre Loon Echo Land Trust preserve in Casco, protected in 2024, is a pleasant 2.2-mile loop that follows a former snowmobile trail up and over the hill. The climb is a gradual, moderate one on both sides — it seems like this wide trail would make for a fun ski! It has been blazed with blue tags and is easy to follow.
The land trust is raising money to develop more trails, including bike trails and a path that will reach the actual summit of the hill. Check out their website for more info. Currently you can continue your walk off the preserve by following snowmobile trails. One extends north to Route 121, and another goes south to Roosevelt Trail.
This land, whose waters drain into Thomas Pond and Sebago Lake, plays an important role in protecting the health of Sebago Lake. The wetland here is about 33 acres, and there’s also 1.25 acres of vernal pools, a veritable luxury resort for frogs, toads, salamanders, and fairy shrimp! The loop trail provides glimpses of the wetland.
Directions: The large parking lot is on Quaker Ridge Road, about 0.67 miles north of the intersection with Libby Road, on the left. From the intersection with Poland Spring Road/Route 11, it’ll be about 3 miles south on the right. Take note that the parking area is across the street from the 2.2-mile loop trail and some other future trails. While the visibility is good crossing the street, it is a fast one.
