Freeport Trail Challenge
2023 Freeport Trail Challenge
The 2023 Freeport Trail Challenge has concluded! Thank you to all the participants. We are excited for next year and are looking for a few volunteers to help organize in 2024. If you are interested please email carrie@freeportconservationtrust.org.
How to Participate
Passports will be available at the Freeport town hall, the library, and the Freeport branch of the Casco Bay YMCA. Please also feel free to print your copy or contact us if you’d prefer to have your passports mailed to you. There are three various ways to submit your passport. You can mail us your passport. The other two ways include sending pictures of yourself on each of the four trails through social media or to the email listed on your passport.
The 2023 Trails
Frost Gully Woods - The trailhead is off Durham Rd, on the right as you are driving away from Freeport Center. The entrance to Frost Gully Woods is on the left edge of Burr Cemetery. There is a small parking area at the trailhead. You have to drive down the driveway to the left of the cemetery to get to the trailhead.
Gibby’s Trail - Park on Ringrose Road off of Pleasant Hill Road.
Pettengill Farm - From Main Street in Freeport head down Bow Street for 1.4 miles. Turn right on Pettengill Road. (31 Pettengill Road) Park by the welcome sign and walk-in to the farm
Bliss Woods - The trailhead and parking are located on the north side of the South Freeport Road, about 0.5 mile from the “Big Indian” on Route 1. Look for the Bliss Woods sign.
FAQ’s
What is the Freeport Trail Challenge?
Each year the Freeport Conservation Trust invites the public to take the challenge of hiking four trails selected from the variety of FCT and other public access trails in Freeport. It is an opportunity to enjoy the beauty that our local area has to offer and get rewarded for it. What could be better than that?
How long will the challenge take to complete?
Trail challenge trails tend to be very manageable for the average hiker. You can complete the challenge as quickly or as gradually as you like. Some of our participants do the challenge in a marathon completing all the trails in one day. Others take a more leisurely route and do one trail a day. We encourage and see the merits in both approaches. Just have fun with it, no matter what you do.
Do I have to hike all four trails?
Only if you want to be eligible for prizes. Hiking and getting close to nature it is own reward, and if you only have time for one to three trails, please still participate. Remember, we love any opportunity to see your pictures.
Hiking Tips
1. Don’t Get Lost
It is important to take appropriate precautions when hiking, especially if you are unfamiliar with the territory you are in. Study maps, have a compass, and pay attention to your surroundings to avoid getting lost. Following trail signs like white blazes on trees will help get you home if you are not sure where you are. A good rule of thumb to remember is that a white blaze will normally mean you are on a main trail. If you are seeing blue blazes it likely means that you are on a spur or alternate route (Please note, there are exceptions to every rule and the blazes to the summit of Hedgehog Mountain are blue).
2. Wear Bright Colors
We all know that starting in November wearing blaze orange in the woods is a good idea. Bow Season in Maine starts in September, and Maine residents can take to the woods with firearms in late October. Whether you are a hiker, a hunter, or just taking a day in the woods, it is always best to err on the side of caution.
3. Take Proper Precautions
Hiking is a more enjoyable adventure if you have the proper supplies. Of course we are talking about sustenance (though proper shoes cannot be overstated here). Remember to have water and snacks with you and you will find your experience to be much more fun. Wearing a bug deterrent and doing a tick check at the end of each hike is also a good idea.
4. Leave No Trace
Always carry out what you carry in. Many of our trails are available because private landowners were generous enough to share the beauty of their land with all of us. Don’t make them regret that. Always stick to the designated path and pick up all trash and dog waste so that everyone can enjoy the trails. As the famous saying goes: “Take only pictures, leave only footprints.”