Hikes In and Around Jefferson, Maine

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Hikes In and Around Jefferson, Maine

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A Dreamy Sunset Reflects on Damariscotta Lake in Mid Coast Maine

The Mid Coast Lakes Region town of Jefferson, Maine, is home to Damariscotta Lake and the Damariscotta Lake State Park, Clary Lake and Davis Stream. Also located in this rural town of just over 2,000 people is the Hidden Valley Nature Center, focused on recreation, education, and sustainable forestry.



Hidden Valley Nature Center
Open from dawn to dusk, the Hidden Valley Nature Center encompasses 1,000 acres criss-crossed by 25 miles of trails. The various routes  traverse diverse terrain. Hike along Little Dyer Pond, climb to North Head, visit Reed’s Meadow, walk around Kidney Pond and explore Kidney Maze. Join a guided nature walk. Take time to identify plant species and significant habitats along the interpretive trail. Camping facilities are available. There is a $5 fee for use of the trails.
Trail access: Egypt Road, Jefferson
Degree of Difficulty: Easy to Difficult
West Branch Preserve
The Damariscotta  Lake Watershed Association maintains the 7 miles of trail along the West Branch of Davis Stream. Ranging from flat terrain to a hemlock-lined ravine, the trail passes through varied habitats–fields, forests, wetlands and streams. Along the way, you see an old mill site, butterfly meadow, Everlasting spring, and an old beaver dam. Observation blinds are located throughout the preserve so you can view wildlife without disturbing it.
Trail access: North Mountain Road, Jefferson
Degree of Difficulty: Easy/moderate
Davis Stream Preserve
This 9-acre property maintained by the Damariscotta Lake Watershed Association includes a half-mile interpretive trail along the meandering stream. Wildlife sitings include salamanders, frogs, toads, turtles, beavers, chipmunks, squirrels, osprey and pileated woodpeckers. You might even glimpse a moose in the stream.
Trail access: Washington Road, Jefferson
Degree of Difficulty: Easy/moderate
Old Narrow Gauge Rail Trail
The site of the former Kennebec Central Railroad tracks “that existed for one purpose: to transport passengers and goods to and from the National Veterans Home at Togus,” which was the first VA hospital in the country, now serves as a mile and a half trail for walkers, hikers, rollerbladers, and others. The trail is fairly flat and follows Little Togus Stream. The intention is for it to be extended in the future.
Trail access: Water Street, Randolph
Degree of Difficulty: Easy
To view lakefront properties for sale on Damariscotta Lake, click on the green box above.

To learn more about the lakes in Jefferson, check out the blog links below.
Damariscotta Lake, Newcastle, Nobleboro and Jefferson, Maine: Miles of Exploration Opportunities for Lakefront Property Owners
Clary Lake, Whitefield and Jefferson, Maine: Bring Your Fishing Pole, Water Skis and Sunscreen!

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