Yankee Woodlot Demonstration Forest, Skowhegan

The name of this trail might not seem to promise much (a woodlot?), but it is actually a fun, interesting walk! (Well, half of it is.) The Maine Forest Service and the Somerset County Soil and Water Conservation District maintain the trail to demonstrate cost-effective and environmentally sound practices for small woodlot management. Several panels along the path explain how managed forestry can help Maine birds.

If you come during business hours, you can go inside the extension office and get one of their excellent maps. You might want to ask how to find the trailhead, too, since it can be a touch confusing. The trail starts right behind the main extension office, along a stretch of mown grass that curves away from the building into the woods. Shortly, on your right, you’ll see a little sign for the trail behind a thicket that you might have to battle through.

The trail system consists of two joined loops through woods and fields. The first loop, about 1.2 miles, includes little birdhouse-like structures nailed to trees containing literary quotes. There are so many of them to read along the way that you might be slowed down! But that is never a bad thing, and the quotes — by writers and scientists and others — all pertain to nature and our relationship to nature. There is also a little explainer about their origin (which is also on the website), by naturalist Walter Balgooyen.

The first loop is blue-blazed and easy to follow, save for one section by a wetland and over a short bridge, which connects the lower field to the woods. This part was overgrown and initially I walked right by the turn (I was coming from the field.)

Additionally, I attempted to do the second 1-mile loop, which is blazed red, but it hadn’t been cared for in some time so was hard going and now I have many scratches from brambles to show for my effort! The trail maintainers report trail conditions and generally advise walkers to do the first loop since it’s more likely to be in good condition.

Directions: The trailhead is located behind the Cooperative Extension building at 7 County Drive in Skowhegan. There are two parking spaces dedicated to the trail, marked with signs.