Freeport Trail Challenge
2024 Freeport Trail Challenge
How to Participate
We invite you to explore four local trails with our exciting trail challenge. Complete the challenge and submit your passport to enjoy a special treat, courtesy of Ben & Jerry's and Pet Pantry of Freeport, for our four-legged friends. New this year, we will be holding a weekly drawing for adults and kids starting August 19th. Simply use a passport to record your adventures. At each trail, find the container and stamp your card with the rubber stamp provided. Passports are available at the Freeport Town Hall, Freeport Public Library, Freeport Community Services, and Casco Bay YMCA. You can also print your copy or contact us if you’d prefer to have your passports mailed.
Important Update for Trail Challenge Participants
We have an important update regarding Ben & Jerry's of Freeport, one of our generous prize sponsors. Ben & Jerry's is temporarily closing its current location until further notice. However, we’re optimistic that they will be reopening at a new location in Freeport this spring!
For those of you who have already completed the Freeport Trail Challenge but have not yet redeemed your free cone coupon, please note that your coupons will still be valid when Ben & Jerry’s reopens at their new spot.
You can submit your passport by mailing it to us, sending pictures of yourself on each of the four trails through social media, or emailing the pictures to the address listed on your passport. trailchallenge@freeportconservationtrust.org
The 2024 Trails
Address: 37 Youngs Ln.
From Rte. 1, turn onto Old County Rd. Stay on Old County Rd for 1.5 miles & then turn right onto Granite St. Stay on Granite St. for 0.7 miles, then take a right onto Sequoia Dr. Stay on Sequoia Dr. for 0.3, then take a left onto Youngs Lane. The parking area is located at the very end of Youngs Ln. The trail is approx. 0.7 miles. Please note that this trail is in a nearly completed housing development and some construction activity may be going on near the trail head. Please use caution when parking. We hope most of the construction will be completed soon!
Harvey Brook
Address: Lambert Rd.
From Rte. 1, turn onto S. Freeport Rd. After 0.4 miles turn Right into Lambert Rd. Parking is approx. 1 mile down Lambert Rd. Park in the turnout on the left side of Lambert Rd. Trail begins on the right before the first driveway and is marked with an FCT sign near a plank over the ditch. Trail is approx. 0.8 miles
Powell Point Preserve
Address: 89 Pine St.
From Rte. 1 turn onto S Freeport Rd. continue for 1.9 miles & then turn left onto Pine St. Park along the side of the road. There is an alternate parking area along S Freeport Rd. The trailhead is marked by a sign. The trail is approx. 0.4 miles.
Ridge Trail
Address: 184 Burnett Rd.
From Wolfe’s Neck Road, turn left onto Burnett Road. Cross the Little River Bridge and park on the left side of the road, between the visitor parking signs adjacent to Mr. McGregor’s Garden. The Little River Loop Trail head is directly behind the Wishcamper Barn. The trail is approx. 0.7 miles.
Wolfe’s Neck Center
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.”
