Sebago to the Sea, Section II, Otter Ponds Area

This 500-acre reserve (part of 1,700 protected acres around Sebago Lake) offers a wonderful network of well-marked, easy trails, about 13.5 miles all together. One of the highlights of this area is the little clusters of ponds known as Otter Ponds. These were formed by glacial ice that, once melted, created steep-sided “kettlehole” depressions. The collection of ponds (one is called Half-Moon Pond, another, Snake Pond) is fed by springs, and you’ll find brook trout, bass, and pickerel in them.

Another highlight is the short boardwalk across a small wetland near the Ecology Center (or Sebago Lake Protection Office), at the northwest corner of the preserve. I’ve marked this in red on my map.

This system connects to the long-distance Sebago to the Sea Trail and the Mountain Division Trail. I recommend you check out the lake-to-Windham section. Here’s more info from me.

You must fill out a permit to visit the land, but there is no fee. Dogs are allowed, as are horses, and the trails seem to be popular with equestrians. Throughout the preserve, the trails are mostly wide, flat, and easy. When there is a steep hill, the official map (see below) indicates it with a dotted blue line.

Directions: There are several places to park with kiosks. Each kiosk has permits and great trail maps. There is one off of Route 237, between Barstow Road and Route 35 (Chadbourne Road). There’s another off of Route 35, right before the train tracks. You can also pick up the trail at the Portland Water District offices at the intersections of Routes 237 and 35, or at the playing fields further up Route 35.