Posted on March 26, 2018 and last updated on July 26, 2021

Valentine Farm, Bethel

QUICK TRAIL FACTS

  • Preserve Size: 147 acres
  • Trail Mileage: 2 miles in farm trail network
  • Pets: yes
  • Difficulty: easy, wheelchair friendly
  • Sights: views, pollinator garden, meadow, creek, Androscoggin River

Valentine Farm trails and extension trail in blue, Bethel Pathway is orange

The Mahoosuc Land Trust has done an amazing job turning this property into an inspiring place to visit — for everyone. The two loops on the west and east side of the property are universally accessible. Combined, they create a 1.2-mile loop along fields and through woods, with views of meadows and a charming creek. You can also walk a 1-mile mowed loop around a meadow with views of the Androscoggin River.

Additionally, the land trust has connected the Valentine Farm trail system with the Bethel Pathway. A roughly 0.7-mile gravel trail follows North Road a short ways before turning in to edge the airport runway and eventually meeting the paved portion of the trail.

The preserve at Valentine’s Farm also has a fabulous pollinator garden. When I visited in mid September, it was lit up with yellow, red, purple, pink and orange blossoms. You can grab a guide to the species at the gate and walk the narrow paths among the flowers. It has inspired me to create my own pollinator garden on my front lawn, to do a small act to help the declining populations of insects and birds. (And to attract beautiful creatures — a side benefit!)

Directions: From Bethel, take the North Road approximately 0.8 miles. Valentine Farm Conservation Center is at 162 North Road.

Let me know if you have any trail updates or corrections!