This property is dominated by Fourth Pond, which occupies an area of approximately 50 acres and is one of the few entirely undeveloped ponds on the coast of Maine. The remaining acreage of the preserve is characterized by second growth forest of spruce, fir, red maple and scattered white pine, in addition to dry, knoll-top sites dominated by northern red oak and white pine. There are also patches of northern white cedar-spruce-fir swamp. The property includes the upper watershed of Carleton Stream, and a variety of freshwater wetland and upland habitats.
This trail network is comprised primarily of three loops. At the north end of the property, a 0.25 mile spur leads to a 1 mile loop trail, which passes through pitch pines, oaks and white pine, across ledges, and travels up and down a moderate knoll on its east side. A short spur at the southwest corner of the loop leads to the shore of Fourth Pond.
At the south end of the property, a flat, easy path loops 1 mile through the forest. The north loop and south loop are connected by a 0.5 mile trail.
To the west, the Nature Loop meanders a short 0.6 miles through the woods along a flat trail. It is not connected to the rest of the trail network.
GUIDELINES
HISTORY
The land and waters of the KWCA have been traditionally used for agriculture, tree growth, fishing, hunting, nature study, and various types of recreation. The initial purchase of Fourth Pond and the surrounding 320-acre parcel occurred in 1998. Since then, Blue Hill Heritage Trust has acquired the additional properties that now comprise the KWCA with donations and volunteer efforts from the community. The purpose of this conservation effort is to protect wildlife habitat while providing an educational resource and opportunities for low-impact recreation.
For additional information, visit the Blue Hill Heritage trust website, or contact:
Blue Hill Heritage TrustKINGDOM ROAD
From the traffic circle in Blue Hill, head north on Beech Hill Road. Go 0.7 miles and take a slight left onto ME-177 (Hinckley Ridge Road). Go 0.6 miles and take a left on Kingdom Road. The first small parking lot, 1.5 miles down Kingdom Road on the left, provides access to two loop trails and a connector trail. Another 0.2 miles west on Kingdom Road on the left is the trailhead for an additional loop (not connected to the rest of the trail network).
MINES ROAD
From the traffic circle in Blue Hill, head south on ME-15/ME-176 (Mines Road). Go 2.2 miles to the small pull-off at the trailhead, across the road from the 40-15 tennis facility.
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