The trails at Crooked Farm could be said to be “on the green side of blue” according to our rating scale. There are some moderate changes in elevation. Where the Crook Loop trail follows the Pemaquid River, the trail is relatively flat, though there are a number of bog bridges to that require a step up and a step down. The inland portions of the trail are a little hillier. There are a few areas where there are roots and rocks to step over.
The Crooked Farm Preserve was established in 2002, as a result of a community partnership among Crook family, the Carpenter’s Boat Shop, the Pemaquid Watershed Association, and the Damariscotta River Association, along with the financial support of the local community and funding from the Land for Maine’s Future Program in collaboration with the Maine Department of Conservation.
The Pemaquid River’s gravel streambeds are spawning habitat for game fish, and the wetlands here provide edge habitat favored by moose, white-tailed deer, mink, raccoon, fisher, fox, and otter. Take note, the wetlands also provide habitat for mosquitos, so this preserve tends to be buggy in the summer.
It’s interesting to observe how the forest changes in different parts of the preserve, from magical mossy spruce woods to oak and white pine. In winter, many animal signs can be seen along the trail.
From Damariscotta, take the Bristol Road (state Route 130) 9.9 miles to Old County Road at the Bristol Library. Turn left on Old County Road and travel 0.8 miles; preserve parking is on the left just before the Carpenter’s Boatshop campus.
