Libby Hill Forest

Wide and narrow multi-purpose trails through varied terrain and ecosystems offer multiple loops without retracing steps. Explore forest uplands, wetlands, beaver areas, or 1800’s farmstead remains year-round on foot, bike, skis or snowshoes.
Trail Activity
Snowshoeing Mountain-biking Cross-country-skiing Walking Hiking
Length
8.10 miles, Network
Difficulty
Easy, Moderate
Town
Gray
Surface
Dirt/Forest Floor, Woodchips, Grass, Snow - Groomed
Pets
Permitted
Fees
No

Description

Libby Hill Forest Trails are an ideal spot to "get away from it all". The entire area has been uninhabited since the late 1800's, and remains of a sheep farm from that era are at the top of the hill.

The network offers multiple loop options, and trails are open year-round for uses include hiking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, geocaching, orienteering, and nature study. Maps posted at the kiosk and at most intersections indicate your location within the network, and the colors on the map match the blaze colors of the trail.

The single-track trails (Lynx, Harold Libbey, Ghost, Outback) offer the most terrain and habitat variety while traversing through forested uplands and wetlands, over glacial eskers, and across a small stream into active beaver and moose habitat. Moderately difficult with several steep areas, these are the most remote trails, and as such, provide great hiking and adventurous mountain biking. In the winter, they are designated snowshoe trails.

The double-track trails (Turkey Trot, Moose Odyssey, Deer Run, Holmquist Hollow) offer easy to moderate walks or hikes in the summer and groomed cross-country skiing in winter. The terrain is mostly forested and gently rolling to hilly, with one trail, Holmquist Hollow, being very steep.

Trail-specific descriptions may be found at the website below as well as current trail conditions.

Other Information

Mountain bikes are allowed except when ground is very wet and soft. Equestrian use is allowed between June 1 and October 31 on the Moose Odyssey, Deer Run, ATV trails, and Old Libby Hill Road only. Please check the most current conditions. Libby Hill is part of a wildlife sanctuary and hunting is not allowed, but hunters may be on adjacent land and trail users should wear blaze orange during hunting seasons. No restrooms are available.

Picnickers should follow a carry-in, carry-out policy. The trails are managed and maintained solely by volunteers and donations. Please consider helping out. Find out more online below or at the donation post at the parking lot kiosk - thank you!

Dogs must be leashed and are allowed on single-track trails year round, but are not permitted on groomed ski trails. Please pick up after your pet.

LMF Logo

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.

Trail Manager

Visit Libby Hill Forest online for more information or contact:

Friends of Libby Hill

Friends of Libby Hill
c/o Gray Community Endowment
PO Box 1376
Gray, ME 04039

Phone: (207) 657-2173
libbyhilltrails@gmail.com
View website

Nearby Events

VIEW EVENTS CALENDAR

Trail Tips

Minimize Campfire Impacts
Consider using a cooking stove and alternative light source (flashlight, candle, lantern) instead of building a campfire.
Legend
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Trailhead Information

From I-95 Exit 63 in Gray, turn west (left) onto US-202/ME-4/ME-15/ME-26-A. Cross the I-95 overpass and turn right at the light to follow ME-26-A N. Go another 1.5 miles, passing a gravel pit and fire station on left, and turn left at the light onto Libby Hill Road. Parking for the trailhead is on the right side of the road at the base of the hill where the pavement ends. Additional parking during non-school hours is available in adjacent school lots.

The single-track trails leave from the parking area to left of the dirt road. The double-track and groomed cross-country ski trails leave behind the middle school. For these trails, follow the paved road behind school and then around the end of fencing. See map at the kiosk for all other trailheads around edge of school fields.

Click on a parking icon to get custom directions
Please Log In or Create Account to add comments.
nikols1
October 03, 2020
That's too bad about people not leashing their dogs. I wanted to come check this place out, but being bit by someone's unleashed dog on a trail a few years back will keep me away. Not saying all dogs are bad, but they can be protective or feel threatened. Those are the ones that need to be leashed especially, but all, for everyone's and their dog's comfort and safety.
chasfranklin
November 17, 2019
Dog owners beware. Lots of people walk their dogs off leash on these trails. For the second time, my dog just got attacked by somebody's dog, with no owner in sight. The owner of the dog this time eventually came by with a leash and tried to laugh it off, but my dog, who is on a leash, got hurt. Please be aware that not every dog owner is responsible, and there is no signage telling people that leashes are required.
iamspartacus
September 30, 2019
There are multiple trails, but the trails and multiple loops are not well marked or identified. This is especially a problem if you are new to this trail system. It is very easy to get lost or disoriented turning an enjoyable hike into an anxiety walk. I'd suggest taking a photo of the map at the trailhead and hope it is useful just in case.
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