The Sheepscot Wellspring Land Alliance maintains a 15-mile network of hiking trails in Montville and Knox. The trails are part of a 26-mile network that is jointly maintained with the George’s River Land Trust. This 26-mile network extends westward from the 5,200-acre Frye Mountain Wildlife Management Area in Knox to the headwaters of the Sheepscot River in Montville and then swings north along Goosepecker Ridge to the edge of Freedom Village. Along this route there are seven loop hikes of varying lengths and difficulty.  SWLA's trails pass through 1,100 acres of contiguous protected land and cross privately owned properties.

Routes are designed to give the hiker a varied and captivating experience; trails meander along pristine headwaters streams, pass glacial erratics and weave through groves of mature trees—some more than 200 years old.  Panoramic views greet hikers at the tops of Frye Mountain (1,137 feet), Hogback Mountain (1,115 feet) and Goose Ridge (900 feet). Signs of wildlife abound and the birding is excellent.  SWLA’s trails are listed on the Maine Birding Trail website.

These trails, for foot travel only, are marked with painted blazes and intersections are clearly posted. They are ideal for hiking and snowshoeing but due to steep and narrow sections are not as well suited for skiing; please use caution when skiing. Dogs are allowed on trails but we ask that owners keep them under control and consider the comfort and safety of other hikers and wildlife. From April to August, ground-nesting birds (woodcock, grouse and many songbirds), their eggs and young are particularly vulnerable to disturbance from dogs.  

There are several points of entry and maps are located at three locations, the Whitten Hill trailhead and parking lot on the Halldale Road, the Bog Brook trailhead on the Halldale Road and the Northern Headwaters trailhead just off the Halldale Road, on the Whitten Hill Road. (Download map). Check out SWLA's newest trail completed in fall 2009. The 1 1/2-mile Hemlock Hollow Hollow trail creates a new loop linking the Hogback Connector trail and the Northern Headwaters trail.

The Bog Brook Trail is  recommended by the Maine Birding Trail as a  good place to bird in the midcoast. In MBT's online brochure SWLA is listed in the Midcoast Region  #33. Click on "Trail/Map" at the Maine Birding Trail website to download a free brochure. You can also contact SWLA to receive one of our new color trail brochures.

Hunting is allowed on SWLA property by permission. Please contact our office at 207-589-3230 , or swlamaine@gmail.com