Posted on August 25, 2015 and last updated on May 22, 2023

Vaughan Woods, Hallowell

QUICK TRAIL FACTS

  • Preserve Size: 197 acres
  • Trail Mileage: ~2.5 miles in network
  • Pets: yes
  • Difficulty: easy and moderate
  • Sights: old stone bridges, falls, Cascade Pond, fields, Vaughan Brook

A popular spot for locals and leashed dogs! I even saw one walker with a well-behaved cat on a leash. Perhaps one reason for the 200-acre property’s popularity is the beautiful Vaughan Brook that flows from Cascade Pond across the land to the Kennebec River, forming dark pools and meditative spots on smooth, shaded rocks. You can also walk across a series of historic stone bridges — massive and solid, built between 1900 and 1930.

The three miles of carriage roads here are wide and easy to walk. Additionally, there are “rustic foot paths,” side trails that loop around the stream. These are narrower and more difficult. They include some stone steps up steeper sections of the stream bank.

The park was created by brothers William and Benjamin Vaughan between 1890 and 1930. To restore the land, they removed industrial mills and dams, and built carriage roads, footpaths and the stone-arch bridges. A granddaughter of William’s conserved the land in 1991.

Directions: From the Homestead: Follow Route 201/Water St. into Hallowell from either direction. Turn onto Central Street going uphill away from the river. Take your first left onto 2nd St. The Homestead gates will be on your left in the crook of the bend. There is additional parking behind Hall-Dale High School at 97 Maple Street in Farmingdale, close to the tennis courts.

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