Approximately 2.3 miles of groomed, tracked cross-country ski trails create a fun and satisfying network for skiers of almost every level at Nickerson Tree Farm, which is owned and managed by the Forest Society of Maine. The trails pass through predominantly spruce-fir and mixed wood forest. Notable features include the Ledge Overlook, which provides visitors with an excellent view of an unusual slate formation featured in D.W. Caldwell's Roadside Geology of Maine (Mountain Press, 1998).
Visitors should note that skiers may be traveling in clockwise or counter-clockwise directions. Please use caution on hills and respect other users.
Nickerson Tree Farm is adjacent to lands owned and managed by the Greenville-based Natural Resource Education Center (NREC). NREC also maintains Nordic ski trails on their property. Grooming at Nickerson Tree Farm is done in collaboration with NREC and their exceptional network of local volunteers.
Summer visitors are encouraged to enjoy the blue-blazed, 0.5 mile walking trail that loops from the Visitor Center parking lot to the Ledge Overlook and back. Walking on all other winter trails, in warmer months, is permitted, but visitors should be aware that winter trails are unmarked and not maintained as hiking trails. Most stay quite wet throughout the summer season.
The 80-acre Nickerson Tree Farm property was donated to the Forest Society of Maine in 2018 thanks to the generosity of Ellen Nickerson Poole. Prior to 2018, the Nickerson family owned and manged these lands for more than 100 years. The property was first enrolled in the American Tree Farm program in 1965.
Sorry, our trails are not designed for horseback riding, bicycle/fat bike/mountain biking, or motorized use. Foot traffic only, please.
Snowshoers, please avoid walking in groomed tracks. Ski trails are used regularly by students from the Greenville Consolidated School's ski program, as well as other members of the community. Snowshoe-prints quickly destroy groomed trails! Please respect the time and hard work that our volunteers put into grooming these trails for everyone to enjoy. Snowshoeing off-trail is permitted.
Pets are permitted but must be kept under control at all times. Please remove pet waste and keep pets off groomed ski tracks. Always respect wildlife.
Public restrooms are available at the Moosehead Lake Region Visitors' Center during open hours.
For additional information, visit the Forest Society of Maine website, or contact:
Parking for the Nickerson Tree Farm Trail Network is located at the Moosehead Lake Region Visitors' Center, 480 Moosehead Lake Road (US-6/US-15). From the center of downtown Greenville, head south on US-6/US-15. The Visitors' Center is 2.5 miles down on the left (east). Look for the restored fire watchman's tower, visible from US-6/US-15. Visitors are asked to use particular caution when entering and exiting the parking lot in winter, when enormous snowbanks can significantly reduce visibility.
To access Nickerson Tree Farm trailhead:
From the parking lot, head right (south) towards the mature pine grove, roughly parellel to the road. Pass the MEDOT outhouse (not in service) on your left and continue to the trailhead. In winter, visitors may also enter the ski trail network from NREC-Moosehead's Loop Trail, which begins left of the parking lot, near the replica fire watchman's cabin and warming hut.
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