Recreation Trails

With 6,000 lakes and ponds, 32,000 miles of rivers and streams, and 17 million acres of forestland, Maine is second to none for outdoor recreation. If you love the outdoors, there’s no better place to be— spring, summer, autumn or winter. In addition to the many recreational opportunities right here in mid-Maine, we also enjoy Maine’s beautiful mountain ranges to the west, majestic coastline to the east, and the unspoiled North Woods.

We are home to the Belgrade Lakes Region. Located just a few minutes from Waterville you will find a host of lakes and ponds with trail views that are sure to be stunning, with wildlife in abundance. While in Belgrade you can explore French Mountain, Mount Phillip, The Mountain, Round Top Trail and more. Find trails by visiting www.belgradelakesmaine.com/ about/hiking.html Quarry Road Trails A four-season recreation area in the heart of greater Waterville, Quarry Road hosts a number of community events and boasts a world-class trail system with the mission of enabling people from all walks of life to enjoy the health benefits of the outdoors in an easily accessible area of natural beauty. Activities include cross-country skiing, biking, walking and jogging, fat-tire biking, snowshoeing, paddling, and sledding. To date there have been 6.5 miles of Nordic ski trails designed and constructed.

Part of those trails have snowmaking capabilities to provide high quality skiing environments all winter long. In the summer months feel free to

grab a furry friend and walk the trails. You can enjoy two wheels on the Quarry road as well as great running conditions and paddling at the Susan Child Boat Launch.

With outstanding opportunities for recreation year-round, Quarry Road Recreation Area is open to the public free of charge, with donations to help maintain the area gratefully accepted. Learn more at www. quarryroad.org Kennebec-Messalonskee Trails provides a network of recreation and fitness trails that are pedestrian and bicycle friendly showcasing beautiful scenery hidden throughout the towns of Waterville, Winslow, Benton, Fairfield, and Oakland. Some are paved, with several being ADA accessible. FMI: www.kmtails.info

Colby College-Perkins Arboretum is part of a 128-acre preserve established in 1946. It offers a trail network of about 4 miles with secluded quiet paths that take you away from the hustle of the busy city and through the forest of birch, maple, and oak trees. During the winter months the trails are maintained for cross-country skiing, used for recreation as well as by Colby’s Nordic team. Find more about the 700-acre campus and places to explore at Colby by visiting www.colby. edu/environmentalstudies

Find Geocaching around Colby College and many other parks in Waterville at www.Geocaching.com . A great way to enjoy local views of the mid-Maine area and have a little fun with the family.