explore our great outdoors

Endless acres of Preserves and Public Reserved Lands are an unmatched natural resource.

unspoiled places

Preserves and Public Reserved Lands

The Kennebec Valley has its fair share of genuinely unspoiled places. From the remote and jaw-droppingly pretty Holeb Public Reserved Lands to the more accessible Kennebec Highlands, whose trails are easier to access yet offer vistas of the Belgrade Lakes area that are no less awe-inspiring.

These places are meant to be hiked and paddled; they are ideal for birding, wildlife photography, or deep contemplation. Each offers a chance to experience seemingly endless opportunities for outdoor recreation at its finest.

Explore “off the beaten trail” locales where visitors will discover what it means to be a Kennebec Valley Explorer.

Fall hike through the woods.

7 Lakes Alliance Trail System

In and around the Belgrade Lakes this system is made up of French Mountain Trail, Mount Phillip Trail, Round Top Trail, Sanders Hill Trail, The Mountain Trail, The “A” Trail (McGaffey Mountain), and Fogg Island Trail to make preserved lands accessible to people of all ages.

Cold Stream Conservation Land

This ancient and recently protected land near The Forks provides shelter to large populations of native wild brook trout and white-tailed deer.

View of Holeb Public Reserve Land.

Holeb Public Reserved Land

This 20,000-acre unit is ideal for paddling, hiking, and wildlife watching, Holeb is home to the Maine Bow Trip, a multi-day looped canoe trip with one portage and excellent campsites. Great hikes include Sally and Burnt Jackson Mountains.

Maine's Kennebec Valley Fall Activities, Standing on the dock on a crisp Fall day.

The Kennebec Land Trust

The Kennebec Land Trust currently preserves and maintains 43 properties located within 18 towns across Kennebec County, offering a range of recreation opportunities.

Bigelow Reserved Land

Bigelow Preserve Public Reserved Land

Hike the Bigelow Range along a section of the Appalachian Trail or paddle across Flagstaff Lake. This unit is a gem to visit when foliage is changing.

Grand Falls, Dead River Public Reserve Land

Dead River Public Reserve Land

This unit includes the north shore of the large man-made Flagstaff Lake and several miles of the Dead River. Anglers and bald eagles both enjoy fishing in The Big Eddy. Vehicle-accessible camping and paddling is available.

View across the Belgrade Lakes from Frenchs Mountain

Kennebec Highlands Public Reserved Land

Hike McGaffey Mountain (the tallest in Kennebec County), Round Top, and Sanders for unmatched views of the entire Belgrade Lakes area.

Seboomook Lake Public Reserved Land

With its remote location, Seboomook offers unfettered access to paddling, fishing, and backcountry camping in a pristine Maine Woods location.

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