The Keyes Woods trail starts out smooth and fairly level along a stretch of old woods road. Shortly after the trail splits, the trail narrows and becomes less even underfoot, with occasional roots, rocks and bog bridges to navigate. There are moderate changes in elevation.
Keyes Woods is a beautiful wooded property in Bristol extending east to the Pemaquid River from Poor Farm Road, with over 1900 feet of shoreline and a free-flowing tributary stream.
Pemaquid Watershed Association, with assistance from Damariscotta River Association, acquired this 70-acre forested parcel along the Pemaquid River in 2018 shortly before the two organizations unified to become Coastal Rivers. Purchase of the property was made possible by the generous support of George Keyes, joined by his brothers Henry and Jonathan.
Crisscrossed with historical stone walls, the preserve offers a number of interesting features including old stone foundations and glacial erratics. Wildlife such as deer, porcupine, and ruffed grouse are abundant. The area where the stream flows into the Pemaquid river is a hotspot for waterfowl viewing.
Located at 185 Poor Farm Road in Bristol. From Business Rt. 1 in Damariscotta, follow Bristol Road (Route 129 to Route 130) south toward Pemaquid for 4.8 miles. Turn left onto Poor Farm Road. The trailhead is located 1.0 mile down Poor Farm Road, on the right.
