River~Link Trail

This trail’s length and relative remoteness are why we rate it “black,” even though the trail itself is not technically challenging. Please familiarize yourself with the route and bring a map with you, pay attention to trail markers, and make sure you are prepared for a long hike. Trail conditions vary considerably, from old woods roads to narrow dirt floor paths with roots, rocks, stream crossings, and bog bridges to navigate.

Beginning from the River~Link parking lot, you will skirt the western boundary of the preserve and then turn south into the Rocky Ridge Preserve. You’ll stay on this high ground for a while, eventually crossing onto a public access easement held by Midcoast Conservancy, an important River~Link partner. Please respect this private land by staying on the trail.

Several bridges, including an old stone bridge, make traversing the small streams easier, and you’ll pass through old hemlock forest, by beaver flowages, and eventually up a steep rise into the Town of Edgecomb’s Schmid Preserve. More up and down, another bridge, and then a delightful trip through the once-inhabited region of Mount Hunger, marked by cellar holes and overgrown apple trees. Keep on to the south and finish (a long while later) at McKay Road, having traveled through Boothbay Region Land Trust’s Church Property.

Now, please take a moment to thank your state officials and fellow citizens for their foresight in passing several critical bonds in support of the Land for Maine’s Future Program! Without LMF, none of what you’ve just enjoyed would exist.

In addition to LMF, the River~Link Trail was made possible thanks to the River~Link initiative with funding and support from numerous partners. > Learn more about the River~Link initiative here.

Amazingly, a few large blocks of forest land remain on the Boothbay Peninsula, large enough to support moose and other creatures that require room to roam. Look for signs of these forest denizens (and many others) as you hike.

The River~Link trail passes through the Mount Hunger area of Edgecomb, which is scattered with the remnants of past human habitation: woods roads, rock foundations, stone stream crossings, overgrown apple and lilac trees, and rock walls.

Setting up a car shuttle is a common practice to allow a through-hike of the entire length of the trail, without having to do it twice.

To get to the north (River Road) trail head: From US Route 1 in Newcastle, take the River Road exit (Snead’s Spur), proceed 0.2 miles and turn right onto River Road. Follow River Road for approximately 3 miles. The parking lot and trailhead will be on your right. From the south (McKay Road) trailhead, go left on McKay Road. After 1.1 miles, at the stop sign, take a left onto River Road. Follow River Road for about 3.7 miles, and the River~Link north parking lot and trailhead will be on your left.

To get to the south (McKay Road) trail head: From US Route 1 in Edgecomb, take ME 27 South and follow 3.7 miles. Take a left on McKay Road and continue 0.5 miles. The parking area and trailhead will be on your left. From the north (River Road) trailhead, go right on River Road. Travel 3.7 miles and turn right on McKay Road. Follow McKay Road for about 1.1 miles, and the River~Link south parking lot and trailhead will be on your right.

It’s also possible to access the trail from the Town of Edgecomb’s Schmid Preserve.