Emmons Preserve

Highlights of this network of trails around the Kennebunkport Conservation Trust headquarters include the Baston River, a small waterfall, and an old mill site. 
Trail Activity
Snowshoeing Walking Hiking
Length
1.60 miles, Network
Difficulty
Easy, Moderate
Town
Kennebunkport
Surface
Dirt/Forest Floor, Grass
Pets
Permitted
Fees
No

Description

In the late 1990s, the late Steve Emmons cut some trails into his woods, enjoyed exploring the area, and donated the land to KCT that soon became the site of the Trust Headquarters. The original path became Jeremy’s Trail, named in memory of fifteen year old Jeremy Walker Georgitis. Today there are 3.3 miles of various trails and loops to explore.

The Roller Trail (1 mile) loops around the headquarters complex is named in honor of longtime volunteers Mark and Gail Roller, and is suited for a gentle stroll. The trail winds through meadows that in the summer are filled with wildflowers and along the Batson River, and features views of the river, beaver dams, and the Preserve’s namesake historic site, the Emmons Cemetery. In winter this loop is excellent for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. 

A short loop (0.1 mile) leads to the Community Labyrinth. Constructed with stones donated by members of the community in honor of loved ones, the labyrinth provide a quiet space for reflective walking. (If you would like to contribute a stone in honor of someone, please visit KCT headquarters or visit KCT's website.)

The Learning Loop (0.7-mile lollipop loop from the Batson River Bridge) includes thirteen learning stations with informative signs that describe the landscape, flora, fauna, and history of the area. The trail was developed by the Trust In Our Children program in partnership with Kennebunk High School.

To the north are Jeremy's Trail, with an extension of the longer Jenne's Loop, which make up the Two J's Loop (0.8 miles, from the Batson River Trail). There are several overlooks, including Teal Hole Falls, the site of a historic mill.

The Batson River Trail (1.3 miles) connects the Emmons Preserve to the Tyler Brook Preserve to the south. The trail travels through woods and fields, dotted by old cemeteries, and featuring a breathtaking stretch along the Batson with views of the river, especially beautiful in the fall.

Read about Enock's experience using a wheelchair at this preserve at MTF Stories! 

Other Information

KCT trails are not for commercial use. If you are interested in having an organized event on our trails, please contact the trust. 

Due to the sensitive nature of rare flora and fauna and changing weather conditions, we do not allow motorized vehicles on our trails. People with disabilities should contact the Trust to learn more about accessing the trails.

Trail Manager

Visit the Kennebunkport Conservation Trust online for more information or contact:

Kennebunkport Conservation Trust

Kennebunkport Conservation Trust
57 Gravelly Brook Road
Kennebunkport, ME 04046
Phone: (207) 967-3465
info@kctoffice.com
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Trail Tips

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Trailhead Information

The Emmons Preserve is located at the Kennebunkport Conservation Trust headquarters. Take ME-9 (Mills Road) north about 1.7 miles from the village of Cape Porpoise in Kennebunkport. Turn left onto Beachwood Road and then turn right onto Stone Road. Take a left onto Gravelly Brook Road just after crossing the Baston River. Parking will be at the Conservation Trust headquarters on the left.

Click on a parking icon to get custom directions
Please Log In or Create Account to add comments.
emilyrogers
April 19, 2024
My two toddlers and I explored this area and loved it! This is the perfect hike for young kids. They loved the story walk, stick tunnel, labyrinth, and all the bridges.
meandmyshadow
November 21, 2021
Nicely maintained little trail system. We saw a young porcupine foraging on the lawn by the conservation center, and enjoyed the Learning Trail and walking the labyrinth. It had rained the night before, so the trail was muddy and slippery in spots - in particular, some of the boardwalks were very slick. But still a relatively easy and enjoyable walk. Would love to go back another day and check out some of the other trails.
rosyrae1
August 21, 2020
We parked at Emmons preserve. What a lovely area with a nice conservation center that was closed, but we were able to get maps of the trails. We took the learning trail (blue) down to connect to Tyler Brook preserve to check out the waterfall, but unfortunately that was all dried out due to the drought conditions we have had recently. Still it was a nice trail system. We turned back once we reached the Cape Porpoise Greenbelt.
iceflame
September 03, 2018
Went today, parked at Jeremy's trailhead off the gravel road. Very small parking area, only 2-3 cars maybe at that trailhead, but we didn't see anyone else on the trail all day. Did the larger outer loop around the whole thing. Trails were very well marked/signed/maintained. Good mix of forest (3/4) and open (1/4 maybe). The storybrook trail was awesome.
Also, notably less buggy than Edwin Smith Preserve located just a few minutes north of here that I hiked prior to Emmons.
tonerspill
December 07, 2014
Enjoyed my hike there today, definitely will revisit in the Spring. It was a little slippery in places, but not bad if you just took your time.
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