From the large parking area at the bottom of the hill on Route 41, there are two lollipop trail options.
Continuing straight past the sign-in box, the ~0.2 mile Boardwalk Trail leads east across a wetland via boardwalks and bog-bridging to the ~0.5mi Doghair Fir Loop. This loop features a vernal pool, large boulders, mature forest, balsam thicket, and views of the fen from the eastern edge.
A right past the sign-in box heads south along the ~0.3 mile Beaver Trail, which follows the west edge of the fen and leads to the ~0.5 mile Deer Loop. The loop features mature forests, large boulders, and beautiful views of the western edge of the fen.
The 163-acre Ezra Smith Wildlife Conservation Area is part of an extensive undeveloped forested and wetland landscape in the Taylor Pond-Hopkins Stream corridor in Mount Vernon. George and Linda Smith and their family have spent many years exploring these woods and wetlands. In March of 2018, they donated their 125-acre woodlot to KLT with the intent that the land would be used to teach children about the importance of conserving Maine's wildlife and their habitats.
For additional information, visit the Kennebec Land Trust website, or contact:
From ME-27 to the east in Belgrade, take Castle Island Road west, which turns into Belgrade Road at the town line, for 6.6 miles to the center of Mount Vernon. In Mount Vernon the road bends slightly to the right and becomes Main Street. Go 420 feet then continue straight on ME-41 for 1.9 miles to the trailhead on the left (east) side of ME-41.
From the south, take ME-41 7.4 miles north from the junction with ME-17 in Readfield, or 13.5 miles north from the junction with US-202 in Winthrop, to the trailhead on the right (east) side of ME-41.
A sign for the Ezra Smith Conservation Area is present on the East side of ME-41 in Mount Vernon, adjacent to a cemetery. The property is about half a mile South of Blake Hill Road. Please be careful on Route 41-vehicles travel at a high speed.
There is additionally a small, off-level parking pull-off at the top of the hill on ME-41, which accesses the trail system near the south end of the Deer Loop.
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