West Branch Preserve

Trails in orange indicate winter-only, as they’re too wet the rest of the year.

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.

The trails are well marked and easy to follow, and mostly flat, except for Joe’s Trail, which has a steepish trail heading down to the stream. But don’t miss this section! The views of Davis Stream are very pretty, and the path follows the stream for a while as it slips over ledge and pools around mossy rocks. The paths on the southern side of the preserve are wooded, but when you cross the power lines, you’ll have a view of the Camden Hills.

The land to the north passes through successional fields and a bog — to stay dry, keep to the right side (east side), as these are dry year round. There’s a little lean-to along the “Lean-to Loop.”

Directions: (From the land trust) Follow Routes 213 (from Newcastle) or 32 (from Waldoboro) into Jefferson, turning north onto Route 126 (Washington Road). Go past the Jefferson Village School. At the fork, turn left onto Village Street, then bear right onto North Mountain Road. Drive approximately 2 miles and the parking area is on the right. If you pass the sign for Rocky Mountain Rd, you’ve gone too far.