Rosmarin and Saunders Family Forest

Whatever you do, don’t miss the huge beaver pond at this Kennebec Land Trust preserve (it’s marked with a binoculars icon on the official land trust map). If you take the blue-blazed and nicely made trail heading west from the parking lot, you’ll reach the north end of the marsh in about 0.1 miles. There’s more impressive beaver activity to be seen if you continue along the trail, including at least two lodges and a newish dam.

The land trust has set up benches by the beaver pond. Perhaps if you’re patient enough, you’ll see a beaver (most likely at the start and end of day).

From the parking area, you have the choice of following the 1.1-mile Beaver Pond loop trail, which brings you to the beaver habitat and along a stream, which cuts a black gash through the forest. (The stones are darkened by naturally occurring manganese oxide in the ground water, I think?) You can make a little loop around the stream, as well, following a nice trail on a ridge above it. Or, you can head down the snowmobile track, which is flat, wide and easy to walk, for a longer hike. If you’re going to follow this old road, you can return via a pleasant footpath; look for the blue blazes to your left about a half mile after you pass the stream.

Directions: From Route 41/17 in Readfield, turn onto Nickerson Hill Road. Go 0.6 miles to the large parking area on your left.