Kate Furbish Preserve Perimeter Trail

Ample parking is available, especially at the Kate Furbish West property. The trail can also be accessed from Ordinance Road.

Yes, the preserve is dog-friendly! However, please ensure your dog remains on a leash at all times to protect wildlife and other hikers.

The trail offers varied experiences throughout the year. While beautiful in warmer months, be aware of ticks. In winter, the trails are groomed for cross-country skiing, making it suitable for winter hiking as well.

No, there are no permits or entrance fees required to access the Kate Furbish Preserve. It is free and open to the public. You can find more information on the Brunswick town website: brunswickme.gov.

The Kate Furbish Preserve Perimeter Trail typically takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes to complete, depending on your pace and stops.

Yes, the trail is generally considered easy to moderate, making it suitable for beginners and families. The initial sections, especially if starting clockwise from Ordinance Road, are wide, flat, and wheelchair-accessible dirt tracks. Some sections along Harpswell Cove can be more challenging with roots and gullies.

The terrain is quite diverse. You'll encounter wide, flat dirt paths through meadows, gentle rolling hills, and more challenging sections with roots and deep gullies along Harpswell Cove. The western side also features flat, old roads. It transitions between open areas and timber forests.

You can expect picturesque and varied scenery, including meadows, a small pond, and views of Harpswell Cove and its marshlands. The trail winds through timber forests, marshes, and waterways, offering a quintessential Maine landscape.

Yes, the preserve has a unique history as a former U.S. Navy installation, part of the Brunswick Naval Air Station. Hikers may discover remnants of this past, including old military bunkers, adding an interesting historical layer to your hike.

Yes, the route also passes through sections of the Varney Trail, Leo's Lane Trail, Marriner Trail, and Gatchell Loop, offering opportunities to explore more of the preserve's extensive trail system.

If you prefer an easier start, consider beginning the loop clockwise from Ordinance Road. This section starts on a wheelchair-accessible dirt track through a meadow and past a pond, offering a gentle introduction to the trail.

While generally well-maintained, some visitors have reported issues with numerous ticks, especially during warmer months, so it's wise to take precautions. Occasionally, trail markings can be unclear in certain sections, so paying attention to your route is recommended.