This is a fairly flat loop trail through the woods, with gentle changes in elevation and the occasional bog bridge and root or rock to step over.
Walpole Woods belongs to the Town of South Bristol. This approximately fifty acre woodlot was a gift of the neighboring Gordon Merriam family to the former Damariscotta Area Recreational Alliance in 1963. Ownership was later transferred to the town in 1978. Stewardship of the property was entrusted to the Damariscotta River Association in 2003, which now, as Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust, works in partnership with the town.
It was Mr. Merriam’s wish “that trails could be opened up to the public for walks and enjoyment of woodland, springs, mosses, wildlife, etc. In winter the trails could be used for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.” The area abuts privately owned undeveloped woodlands.
A short way in, look for an old rock-lined spring to the right of the trail. There’s an impressive glacial erratic beside the upland trail, not far from the trail junction. Walpole Woods is a good place to find diminutive spring ephemeral flowers like bunchberry, fringed polygala, and starflower. In winter, it’s fun to look for animal tracks and signs in the snow and see what creatures are active in the woods.
Walpole Woods is located in South Bristol on the east side of Route 129 just north of the Walpole post office, about 2.5 miles south of Hanley’s Market where 129 branches off of Route 130.
