Piney Knoll Conservation Area & Kennard Road Trails 5/27/2026

Today's first hike was at Piney Knoll Conservation Area in Orono. This property is owned and managed by the Orono Land Trust and has a nice network of trails, not far from downtown. The trail network is rather complex, and there are also unmarked trails, not shown on the map. However, it is still pretty easy to navigate, thanks to trail markings and a detailed map of the official trails. There are multiple trailheads to choose from, and I found that the ones with the best parking were the trailheads on Marsh Avenue, Colburn Drive, and Hillside Road.

Kiosk at one of the trailheads

Trail 11 & Ridge Trail

Trail 11 & Long Trail

The trails mostly wind through forested uplands with a high point on a small knoll covered in large pines giving the area its name. Two of the trails end at the railroad tracks, and it seems like there are some unofficial trails on the other side of the tracks, which I didn't explore. I found the section of the Long Trail between Colburn Drive and Peter's Field to be the most enjoyable section of trail to walk in the network. The trails were relatively busy, with a variety of bikes, hikers, and dog walkers out and about. It is a nice little trail network, and it is easily accessible from the University of Maine at Orono and the many surrounding apartment complexes.

Bridge over Vinal Stream on the Long Trail

Long Trail through Peter's Field

Long Trail leaving the railroad tracks

AllTrails Activity

Our second hike of the day was at the Kennard Road Trails in Newburgh. This quiet town-owned trail network has two easy intersecting loop trails, each being a little over a mile in length. The trails don't seem like they get very busy, but they are well cared for with good signage and ample parking. The loop with teal blazes follows a wider track through the woods, while the blue-blazed loop mostly follows a narrower footpath. Besides hikers, this trail system also seems to see quite a bit of use by equestrians, and the teal-blazed loop seems good for cross country skiing in winter. It is a great off-the-beaten-path place for a short and easy hike.

Sign for the trails

Signage at the trailhead

The teal-blazed trail

Trail intersection

AllTrails Activity

Mercer Bog 4/18/2026

 

On Saturday, we went canoeing for the first time this season at Mercer Bog Wildlife Management Area. Starting from the dam on Main Street in Mercer, we paddled south into the bog. We passed under Route 2 and continued until we reached a spot where small beaver dams and a very narrow channel made it difficult to go any further.

Sign at the put-in

Mercer Bog

Because of the high water and lack of aquatic plant growth, this is a great time of year to paddle Mercer Bog. There are a variety of nice landing spots along the way, and we found a good one to eat lunch at, near where we turned around. We saw lots of wildlife along the way, including turtles, fish, a beaver, waterfowl, and other birds.

Sampson enjoyed being a passenger

View of the bog from our lunch spot

Howard Hill, Augusta (482') 10/3/2023

With a trailhead located only a couple blocks from the State Capitol building, a well maintained network of trails, and nice views of the city, Howard Hill is an excellent place for a hike within the city limits of Augusta. This Hill is included in the newest edition of the Maine Mountain Guide, and we followed the loop described in the guide today. It's a nice lollipop loop which brings you past both viewpoints and over the summit of the hill.

Sewell Ave Trailhead

A section of well-built trail

The trails had excellent signage

The first viewpoint towards the Capitol

The second (southern) viewpoint

Another angle from the same viewpoint

Sierra & Millie near the summit

The summit