Freedom Forest Preserve offers a short hike or snowshoe around a 1.1 mile loop trail created in 2014, and an additional loop to the south that extends a loop hike to about 1.5 miles. A shortcut trail offers a cut-off across the northern loop for those looking for a shorter hike.
The trail, marked in blue, leaves the trailhead kiosk on an old woods road before quickly turning off into the woods on a narrow footpath. The path loops through mixed woods and hemlock groves, where barred owl, hawk and deer sightings are frequent. The property is home to myriad vernal pools, at least three of which qualify as significant according to the State, due to the tremendous level of springtime use by wood frogs and spotted salamanders.
The trail offers some challenging terrain as it climbs over bedrock outcrops. Several Leopold benches crafted by the Alternative Education program at Mt. View High School provide trailside locations to rest and reflect. A kiosk funded by a Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund grant features information on the vernal pool residents.
By donor restriction, this preserve is closed to hunting and trapping. However, with adjacent properties open to these uses, preserve visitors are encouraged to wear blaze orange and stay alert during deer season.
For additional information, visit the Sebasticook Regional Land Trust website, or contact:
Sebasticook Regional Land TrustFROM DOWNTOWN UNITY
Travel south on ME-202 toward Albion. After about 6.5 miles, turn left on ME-137. Go 4.1 miles and turn right on North Palermo Road. Go an additional 4 miles until you see a Sebasticook Regional Land Trust sign on the right, one mile past the intersection of Greeley and Albion Roads.
FROM BELFAST
Travel ME-137 north towards Waterville. In Freedom, take a slight left onto North Palermo Road. Travel 4.4 miles and the preserve sign and parking will be on the right.
There is a small off-road parking area at the trailhead, located adjacent to Mitchell's Roofing (GPS address 899 N Palermo Road, Freedom).
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