Dominated by thick stands of mature pine and hardwoods, Fernald's Neck Preserve covers most of a large peninsula that juts into the north end of Megunticook Lake. Nearly 3 miles of shoreline are protected by the preserve. Its uninterrupted forests are particularly impressive when viewed from the water, and many visitors approach by canoe or small boat.
Four miles of easy/moderate trails weave through the peninsula. Trail blazes are colored to match the trail name. Shoreline swimming is accessible along the Orange Trail via Balance Rock, and the White Trail. The Orange Trail and the far end of the Blue Trail are rocky and hilly, making them the most challenging areas of the trail network. Trails are marked with paint and with signs and maps at intersections.
Wildlife watching is particularly good where the Blue Trail and Orange Trail run along the edge of the Great Bog. Along the lakeshore, keep an eye out for bald eagles and other animals that rely on the 1,300-acre lake for their livelihood. Another feature on the Orange Trail is Balance Rock, a large boulder that seems to be balanced precariously on the bedrock. For families with small children this is both exciting and accessible. The boulder is just a short walk from the trailhead on the Orange Trail, accessible via the main Blue Trail.
For more information about the trails and the people that care for them, visit the Coastal Mountains Land Trust online or contact:
From Camden, drive north on ME-52 (Mountain Road) for 4.6 miles. Turn left onto Fernald's Neck Road; at the Y, stay left to stay on Fernald's Neck Road. Continue 0.5 miles to the end of the road where parking is available.
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These huge swaths of pine trees make for some very cold trail hiking in the winter.
There is very little sun shining through these trees.
With snow on the ground it can be much colder then most folks are comfortable with.
I’ve been there twice this winter 2022/23.
Both times were bright sunny days, but in the wood it was very very cold.