Explore the new Lichen Loop at Higgins Mountain Preserve
A new trail in Georgetown to hike, run, and explore!
KELT was pleased to host 26 guests during the grand opening of a new loop trail at Higgins Mountain Preserve in Georgetown on Saturday, September 29.
Folks joined KELT staff and local Boy Scout, Thomas Trundy, for a guided tour of the new Lichen Loop. Trail construction was led by Trundy for his Eagle Scout project.
Thomas (in the Bowdoin t-shirt) led a guided hike of the trail and shared how he worked with KELT staff to plan and complete trail construction.
The new Lichen Loop at Higgins Mountain Preserve adds a half-mile out-and-back ramble along the rocky shoulder of the Mountain. It connects to the existing blue-blazed trail, the Billie Todd Loop, at the memorial plaque and at a point further north. The new trail is relatively level but somewhat rocky, passing through a pitch and white pine woodland covered with huckleberry, lowbush blueberry and reindeer lichens, and traversing open ledge in places. In some places the trail is marked with small rock piles called cairns. The semi-open woodland will make for pleasant viewing especially in the fall season when the huckleberry lights up in fall colors. The new trail partly follows an older path which extends into adjoining properties. Please respect our neighbor's boundaries and to not proceed beyond the posted signs.
The preserve was donated to KELT in 2000 by Billie Todd to be enjoyed by the public for hiking and hunting – no pets please. Higgins Mountain is one of the highest points on Georgetown Island, with an elevation of 259 feet above sea level.
To get to Higgins Mountain Preserve and to walk the new trail: From Bath, take Rte. 1 north to Rte. 127 south (toward Georgetown). Stay on Rte. 127 for 7.6 miles. Parking is along the roadside on the right when headed south on Rte. 127. There is a preserve kiosk with trail maps.
