The trails system at Hidden Valley Nature Center have a variety from easy wide pathways to narrow advanced single track and covered varied terrain. In the winter many of the trails are groomed for classic cross-country skiing, skate skiing, and snowshoeing. Below are a few highlighted trail experiences.
Moose Alley-Couch Hill Nature Trail (1.0 mile from Gate, easy): On June 15, 2012, HVNC published a Nature Trail Guide which can be picked up at the new GateHouse. If you want to take it home, please leave 2 dollars. Feedback for the trail and guide are encouraged!
Trail Guys Treasure Hunt/Interpretive Trail along Warbler Way (0.7 miles round trip. easy): Grab the “key” at the Gate House to help figure out the clues and find the scroll. Enter your name and you might win a special gift! Take Warbler Way, looking for the Trails Guys pinned to trees and the interpretive signs, also attached to trees. Return via the Service Road if you chose.
The Bog (0.3 miles round-trip from Gate, easy): Take Warbler Way, then Crossbill Loop to the new boardwalk to visit the fascinating floating bog.
The Maze (1 mile, easy): This is our newest trail. It consists of a circular perimeter trail well marked with double headed green and white arrows. The perimeter trail connects to the Bowl loop several places as well as Haybale trail. The inside of the perimeter trail has a maze of trails most of which are unmarked, unnamed, and ungroomed.
Bowl Loop Trail (3 miles, moderate): Passing through mixed forest, this trail encircles a major trail system that features choice wildlife habitat and picturesque glacial formations including featuring a 30 foot high rock face.
Reed Meadow Trail (1.5 miles, moderate): This trail meanders along a secluded wooded stream with wild calla lilies, opening into a mature beaver meadow and rising to pleasant glen overlooks.
Slick Rock Trail (2.2 miles, moderate): Gently descends through canopied forest to Little Dyer Pond (100 acres) with picnic table, swimming and campsite. Rental canoes available.
Two Dog Pond Trail (1.5 miles, moderate): The trail winds through sustainably harvested forest (Forest Stewardship Council certified “green”), pauses by a pair of delightful hidden forest pools near a relaxing glen overlook descending to meet Reed Meadow Trail.
Kidney Pond Trail (2 miles, easy): This system loops around Kidney Pond and Sugar Hill (a sweet ski trail) with a variety of forest and pond openings for wildlife viewing.
Dyer Pond Trail (2 miles, easy): This trail leads to remote and quiet Little Dyer pond.
Hermit Thrush Trail (2 miles, easy): This trail leads to Hermit Hut (overnight camping available) near the inlet of Little Dyer Pond.
Midcoast Conservancy is a non-profit organization supported by membership, and they ask for either annual membership or a suggested donation of $5 per person per day to use the trails at the Hidden Valley Nature Center. Camping, canoeing, fishing, and cabins are also available at Hidden Valley Nature Center. Follow the link to the website for more information.
Well behaved pets permitted under leash or voice command. Please keep trails neat, and remove any pet waste.
Visit the Midcoast Conservancy website for more information or contact:
All trails start at the gate on the west side of the Egypt Road in Jefferson, 0.6 miles south of ME Route 215, 3.4 miles north of ME Route 194. We have enlarged the parking lot which can now accommodate 30 cars; and road side parking is available for overflow.
Please follow the following parking scheme to allow the maximum number of cars. In the lot to the right of the gate, please park parallel to Egypt Road leaving the center aisle free. This allows 10 cars in this area, instead of only 5.
Please do not block the gate. The Gatehouse is located 100 meters inside the gate and has a sign in sheet, a map of the trails, donation box, and additional information. A kiosk and warming hut are located 0.3 miles in.
GPS address for the parking area is around 131 Egypt Road, Jefferson, Maine.
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