Trails

At present the Trust has an extensive trail system and plans for considerable expansion. Trails vary in length, width, topography and use. Some are conducive to bird watching and viewing wildlife, others for hiking, biking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. The Trust is working on expansion, improvement, access, mapping and indentification. Our hope is the public will increase trail usage and benefit from the preservation of land in the community.

Please note:  KCT trails are not for commercial use.  If you are interested in having an organized event on our trails, please contact the Trust at 207.967-3465 or email info@kctoffice.com  Also, due to the sensitive nature of rare flora and fauna and changing weather conditions, we do not allow motorized vehicles on our trails.  Handicapped persons should contact the Trust and we can provide access to a limited portion of the trails.

Trail Stewards:

Volunteers are the backbone of the Trust and we welcome individuals, groups or organizations to assist in trail maintenance and improvement. The Trust has lists of volunteers and anyone interested can sign up by contacting us at info@kctoffice.com

The Edwin L. Smith Preserve

Jim and Agnes Steele Trail: 

Currently the longest trail, it is located at the beginning of the Guinea Road and has parking for 4 to 6 cars. It is the main access to over 1,300 acres of pristine wildlife habitat and along with other lands,

located in Arundel and Biddeford, makes up one of the largest un-fragmented parcels on the Southern Maine Coast. The newly expanded trail system has over ten miles of trails to explore. Much of the land was deeded to the Trust by the residents of the Town of Kennebunkport and the balance was purchased or donated by Jim and Agnes Steel. The trail will cross the highest elevation in Kennebunkport and has many large ledge outcroppings, vernal pools and rare and uncommon flora and fauna.

 

The Emmons Preserve

Mark and Gail Roller Trail:

Relatively flat and open and running through meadows filled with wildflowers and along the Batson River it

affords views of beaver dams and is suitable for a gentle stroll. Ample parking is available at the Trust Headquarters. The trail begin just north of the Emmon’s House near the cemetery and ends behind the barn.

Jeremy’s Trail:

Leading down to scenic waterfalls, Jeremy’s is relatively short but rewarding. The Maine Department of

Fisheries and Wildlife stocks this area every year with brook trout.

Jenne’s Loop;

An extension of Jeremy’s Trail further up the Batson looping back to the beginning. “Teal Hole” Falls is the

site of another historic mill.

Tyler Brook Preserve

This trail is located on Tyler Brook Road just off the Mills Road beside Tyler Brook and just south of Beachwood Road and the Batson River. Access is on the paved road to left side of a private drive with

parking available for 4 to 6 vehicles. The trail is currently 1 mile long, has several seasonally wet areas but has very scenic marsh and river views including lovely waterfalls. There are benches and picnic areas available in tranquil settings. Our long term goal is to connect with other lands owned by the Trust in Cape Porpoise. The original road to Kennebunk once passed through the back corner of this property, crossing the brook by way of the “stepping stones’. It was here that John Tyler had a mill and built his house using a large rock as its back, named in Bradbury’s History of Kennebunkport as “Tyler’s Back”. In 1725 Mrs. Batson was killed by Indians in this area.