Raymond Community Forest and Mayberry Hill Preserve Hikes

The Raymond Community Forest is 356 acres of land in North Raymond located on Conesca Road, including much of Pismire Mountain and a large forested parcel beside Crescent Lake.  The land conservation project was first proposed by the Raymond Conservation Commission and Loon Echo Land Trust in 2012.  The 2007 Raymond Open Space Plan identified Pismire Mountain as a special place. Results from the 2014 town-wide Raymond Community Survey indicated strong support for preserving open space, natural resources and lakes over the next 10 years.

Over 200 local individuals and families have donated to the project. Hancock Land Company gifted approximately $109,000 in land value. The residents of Raymond voted $56,800. Grants were awarded by the Land for Maine’s Future Program (LMF), Portland Water District, Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund, Davis Conservation Foundation, Camp Agawam, The Open Space Institute and an anonymous foundation.

Now the land will be conserved permanently and will offer long-term multiple benefits back to the community, including protection of the quality of Raymond’s waterways and wildlife, as well as exceptional views to and from Pismire Mountain.  Community forests are created and managed with public participation.  Recreational development includes establishing a parking area on Conesca Road; hiking trails leading to the cliffs of Pismire Mountain and low-impact multi-use trails in the lower forest for walking, hiking, cross country skiing/snowshoeing and mountain biking; and continuation of traditional uses such as hunting. The property has had a long tradition of sustainable forest management. Forestry will continue, providing necessary income to support the management of the land and trails into the future.
Click here to download a map of the property and trails (pdf)
Click here to download a Regional map of property (pdf)

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Loon Echo’s first preserve, Mayberry Hill in Casco, is comprised of 160 acres of mixed woodlands, meadow and streams. The majority of the land that makes up this preserve was donated to Loon Echo by the Gillis family in 1990. A one mile trail that meanders through the preserve is enjoyed by many visitors and local residents for hiking and educational opportunities. We ask all visitors to observe the use guide lines posted below.

Download the preserve brochure and map of the property. To learn more please contact us.

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