River Link Trail run

The route offers a varied experience, featuring a mix of dirt and forest floor, old logging roads, and both singletrack and doubletrack sections. You'll encounter natural obstacles like roots, rocks, and stream crossings, some of which are managed with bog bridges and old stone bridges. Be prepared for areas dense with young spruce.

While some sections might feel easier, the full route is rated as difficult due to its length, varied terrain, and significant elevation changes. It involves numerous 'up and down' sections and steep rises, making it best suited for joggers with good fitness and experience on uneven trails.

Yes, dogs are generally welcome on trails within the Coastal Rivers Conservation Land, including this one. However, they must be kept on a leash at all times to protect wildlife and ensure a pleasant experience for all users.

Spring, summer, and fall each offer unique experiences. Spring brings lush greenery, while fall showcases vibrant foliage. Summer is popular but can be warm. Consider checking local conditions, especially after heavy rain, as stream crossings and muddy sections can become more challenging.

No, there are typically no permits or entrance fees required to access trails within the Coastal Rivers Conservation Land, which manages the River Link Trail. These lands are generally open to the public for recreational use.

Specific parking areas are available at various access points along the River Link Trail, which connects multiple conservation lands. It's advisable to check the Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust website or local maps for the most current information on designated parking lots for preserves like Dodge Point, Schmid, or Zak, depending on where you plan to start.

You'll jog through picturesque old hemlock forests and past beaver flowages. The route is rich in history, with remnants of past human habitation like old cellar holes, overgrown apple trees, stone walls, and wells, particularly in areas like Mount Hunger. You might also catch glimpses of the Sheepscot and Damariscotta Rivers.

Yes, the River Link Trail is a significant long-distance corridor that connects multiple conservation lands, including the Dodge Point Preserve, Schmid Preserve, and Zak Preserve. It also passes through sections of the River Link, Mt Hunger Road North, Mount Hunger Rd East, and Old County Road trails.

As a vital wildlife corridor on the Boothbay Peninsula, the trail offers opportunities to observe various forest denizens. Keep an eye out for local birds, deer, and other small mammals that thrive in this protected habitat.

While there aren't designated 'viewpoints' in the traditional sense, the trail offers scenic views of the natural landscape, including beaver flowages and glimpses of the Sheepscot and Damariscotta Rivers. The historical remnants like old cellar holes and stone walls in areas like Mount Hunger serve as unique landmarks.

Given its 'difficult' rating, varied terrain with roots and rocks, and significant length (over 15 km), this route is generally not recommended for families with young children or beginner hikers. It requires a good level of fitness and experience with uneven trails.