Exploring the Highland Farm Preserve’s trail system reveals an array of wildlife habitats including shrub land, rocky outcroppings, Oak Pine and Oak Hickory forests and vernal pools. The Preserve's trails also offer a glimpse into York's cultural past. Highland Farm’s long history mirrors, in many ways, the rich history of York. Stonewalls, centuries-old cemeteries, and a cellar hole are just some of the historic remnants that can be found at the Preserve.
Trails are available year-round for hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and hunting.
Follow the New England Cottontail Trail to observe habitat restoration efforts for this rare species. Through a partnership between York Land Trust and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 30 acres of early successional forest (thickets) are being restored and managed to support the return of state-endangered, New England Cottontail to the Preserve.
Take the Ridge Trail to get views of the fields and nearby Boulter Pond or find your way along the Barred Owl Trail to a vista and picnic spot. The Junkins Loop Trail brings you deep into the forest along old stonewalls and tall pines.
Or enjoy the 300-foot universal access trail, which leads from the parking area to a veiwing platform.
Led by the efforts of York Land Trust and the Trust for Public Land, in partnership with the Kittery Water District, the 151-acre Highland Farm property was purchased in 2009 as part of the Mount Agamenticus to the Sea Conservation Initiative (MtA2C). It is forever protected and open for public access thanks to the generosity of many individuals, foundations, partner organizations, and voters of the Town of York. Since 1986, the York Land Trust, a member-supported, non-profit organization has been dedicated to conserving and protecting lands of ecological, historic, scenic, agricultural and educational significance throughout the greater York area of Maine, for the benefit of all.
This trail passes through a property that was acquired in part with funds from the Land for Maine’s Future program. For more information about the LMF program and the places it has helped to protect, please visit the LMF webpage.
Visit York Land Trust online for more information and a printable map or contact:
Public parking is available. From the junction of US-1 and ME-91 in York, follow ME-91 (Cider Hill Road) north 3 miles to the Highland Farm Preserve entrance on the right. A kiosk marks the entrance to the trails.
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