Hiking the Hilton-Winn Preserve, you will find a mosaic of landscape types including low-lying forested wetlands with characteristic vernal pools, riparian areas, dense upland forest, and agricultural fields. As a result, this property hosts an impressive diversity of species. These include showy plants, such as cardinal flower and wood lily, and animals such as flying squirrel, snowshoe hare, river otter and Northern goshawk.
The Boardwalk Trails leads from the kiosk through a forested wetland and later crosses a rocky stream and waterfall at an old milldam site. It is likely the site of a sawmill or gristmill that was abandoned in the late 1800's. Maps from this time also show a house located adjacent to the trail where a cellar hole remains on the other side of the river.
The River Loop Trail circles down and across the Ogunquit River with outstanding views of pools and old-growth trees. There is no bridge and the river crossing can be difficult during spring thaws or after heavy rains. Use caution when crossing the river during high water.
This property was donated by the late Ethel Hilton to the York Land Trust, with a conservation easement held by The Nature Conservancy. These 175 acres are part of the Mt. Agamenticus to the Sea Conservation Region (MtA2C). The Hilton and Winn families were area founders whose farmstead dates back over 200 years. The land is likely to have been occupied long before that, as family members recall prehistoric artifacts having been unearthed over the years. 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.
Visit York Land Trust online for more information and a printable map or contact:
York Land TrustPublic parking is available. From the junction of Berwick Road and Route 1 in Ogunquit, follow Berwick Road north 3 miles to the Preserve entrance on the right, immediately after the river crossing.
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