QUICK TRAIL FACTS
- Preserve Size: 456 acres
- Trail Mileage: 6.8 miles in network
- Pets: yes
- Difficulty: easy to moderate
- Sights: Davis Stream, old stonework mill site
Miles of walking here! An “eternal spring!” where water bubbles up from the ground. And a wide stream that has both rapids and slow, wide, meandering sections. I loved my walk here on a sharp December day with low glinting sun rays creating long shadows. The preserve, protected by the Midcoast Conservancy, has nearly 7 miles of trails.
I parked on the North Mountain Road, just a bit before Rocky Mountain Road, and walked the southern trails first, (which are marked by blue blazes), and then hit the northern side (which are marked with yellow arrow signs). The trails for the most part were easy to follow, but keep your eyes peeled for the next sign. The land to the north is wet and boggy, so wear sturdy boots. On the southern side, Joe’s Trail leads to some pretty views of Davis Stream. It’s a steepish hill down to the stream (and back up again), so be prepared for a bit of huffing.
Directions: From Village Street in Jefferson, follow North Mountain Road north.You have to drive about 1.5 miles or so from the turn off. Just before the sign for the Rocky Mountain Ranch, look for a small parking lot and trailhead kiosk on the right. Trails leave from the back of the parking lot and the front (across the road). From Route 17 in Somerville, follow Jones Road south. Turn left on North Mountain Road. Just past the sign for the Rocky Mountain Ranch, look for a small parking lot and trailhead kiosk on the left.
