The Roberts Farm Preserve offers an intricate trail system designed to support many outdoor activities year round. Much of the 165-acre piece of land is covered with both hard and soft woods and is situated above Lake Pennesseewassee, allowing expansive views of the lake and mountains beyond. The property and the parking area are conveniently located off of ME-117/118 offering easy access for residents and visitors of the Oxford Hills Region. The trail system includes three types of trails: a universally accessible, ADA compliant loop, two cross-country ski trails of differing widths, and a hiking trail. With the exception of the hiking trail, all trails are open to multiple non-motorized uses.
The ADA-compliant trail offers a route of 0.3 miles to a scenic viewpoint. It is suitable for young children on skis or foot, and is user-friendly for older hikers and hikers with disabilities. The trail is 8 feet wide and has a smooth and stable surface of 1.5 inch screened gravel. In the spring, summer, and fall, this trail supports stroller and wheelchair users along with runners and walkers. In the winter, one set of classic ski tracks is set. This trail offers people of all ages and abilities access to the outdoors.
Read about MTF Accessibility Ambassador Enock Glidden's visit to the preserve using his wheelchair at MTF Stories.
Roberts Farm Preserve currently provides skiers and runners with 6.5 km of intermediate trails with a width of 12 feet that will be groomed for an 8-foot wide skate lane and a 4-foot wide classic set of tracks for skiing. The trail offers numerous loops of moderate difficulty and options for skiing on sections of trail with the most difficult ratings. All trails take advantage of the wooded forest, which allows for shade in the summer and wind protection in the winter. The trails also follow streams, old road beds, and stonewalls with three significant stream crossings over 14-foot wide bridges.
The hiking trail has two access points: at the Roberts Farm parking lot and at the rest area across from Lake Pennesseewassee on ME-117/118. The 2-kilometer trail from the rest area climbs to the wider ski trail and follows it to the scenic point where it continues to weave around and through the trail system to the parking lot at Roberts Farm. The hiking trail is a primitive footpath that is also enjoyable for snowshoers in the winter months.
The Roberts Farm trail system allows for a multitude of outdoor activities, including, but not limited to, running, walking, hiking, biking, and in the winter: Nordic skiing, fatbiking, and snowshoeing. Due to the varied nature of the trails, they may be utilized by the handicapped, elderly and very young, as well as both novice and experienced athletes.
For program and event information, please check the Western Foothill Land Trust's website or check Roberts Farm Preserve out on Facebook.
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.
This trail was made possible in part with funds from the Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund (MOHF). For more information about MOHF and the wildlife and conservation projects it has contributed to, please visit the MOHF webpage.
Visit Western Foothills Land Trust online for more information and a printable map or contact:
Western Foothills Land TrustFrom the intersection of Main Street and ME-117 in downtown Norway, take ME-117/118 west out of town. Main Street/ME-117/118 becomes Lake Street and follows along Lake Pennesseewassee. After approximately 2 miles (0.25 miles past the Lake Pennesseewassee Rest Area), turn south (left) onto Roberts Road and continue 0.2 miles to the Roberts Farm Preserve entrance, at 58 Roberts Road. Two trails leave from the preserve parking area. There is a kiosk with maps and program information. Address: 58 Roberts Road, Norway.
Additional summer hiking access is possible from the Lake Pennesseewassee Rest Area.
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