The Cape Trail serves as the main corridor at Pleasant Lake Preserve. To access this and the other trails, find the trailhead behind the kiosk at the east end of the parking area. Follow the blue-blazed connector trail to the old tote road and continue approximately 0.8 mile through dense mixed forest over private land to a junction marked by a sign that indicates the Cape Trail to the left. The trail crosses a causeway over wetlands, which marks the true entrance of the preserve, and is the first of many fine viewpoints for bird watching.
At the junction just beyond the causeway, the Cape Trail heads right and travels 0.6 mile through the heart of the “Cape," following the remnants of an old skidder road. It is relatively easy to traverse, except for a short section of corduroy bridging across a wet area that can be slippery, so beware. The trail continues through beautiful mixed forest with a tall canopy of hardwoods and conifers to the eastern tip of the preserve. This is a good location to rest and enjoy one of four picnic tables built and donated by a local scout troop.
The Shoreline Trail offers more of a woodland trail experience, with many views of the wetlands. From trail junction just past the causeway, the Shoreline Trail, blazed blue-over-white, heads left. The first 0.2 miles follow an old skidder road to a sign indicating a viewpoint straight ahead. Heading right at this sign, the trail travels 0.8 miles through a dense mix of conifers along the shore of the outlet stream over small rocks and ledges. There are low areas that may be wet, and a relatively large vernal pool forms here in the spring. This segment of the Shoreline Trail connects to the Loop Trail where there is a sign showing the way back to the Cape Trail.
The other segment of the Shoreline Trail is accessed from the Cape Trail approximately 0.2 mile east of the causeway, and is blazed blue-over-white. This segment is a short 0.2 mile trek to the south shore picnic grove with two picnic tables. There is a canopy of large pines and hemlocks, a great place to relax or enjoy some fishing.
The Loop Trail is yellow-blazed and makes a 0.4 mile loop through a nice stand of mixed hardwoods that transition to softwoods as it approaches the north shore boat landing. A picnic table here provides a place to rest and take in the view.
For additional information, visit the Sebasticook Regional Land Trust website, or contact:
From points north or east, connect to ME-222 in Corinna (at the junction with ME-7), Levant or Bangor and head toward Stetson village. At the intersection of ME-222 and ME-143 (Lakins Road), go south for 0.7 miles to the preserve entrance on the left.
From points south along US-202 or I-95, connect to ME-143 (exit 167 from I-95) and travel north to Etna village. Cross US-2 and continue north on ME-143 (Lakins Road), for another 4.9 miles to the preserve entrance on the right.
The preserve entrance is marked by a small white sign.
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