Blackstrap Hill Community Forest

TRAIL DISTANCE

11 mile trail system across the community forest and preserve

DOGS

Allowed off leash under voice control. Must be on leash within 300 feet of the trailhead.

BIKES

Allowed

GPS ADDRESS

106 Hurricane Road, Falmouth

PARKING

Unpaved parking area with many parking spaces

Additional Information

OWNERSHIP

Town of Falmouth

PROPERTY TYPE

Community Forest

PROPERTY USES

Hiking, snowmobiling, mountain biking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, hunting, fishing, nature study, and horseback riding are all allowed. Motorized vehicles are prohibited, except snowmobiles on marked trails. Trails are not wheelchair accessible.

ADDITIONAL DIRECTIONS

From I-95, take exit 53 and turn left onto Rte. 100/26 North (Gray Road). Continue approximately 3.25 miles, and turn left onto Hurricane Rd. Continue 1 mile to the trailhead parking lot on the left, right after the I-95 overpass.

PROPERTY DESCRIPTION

Blackstrap Hill Community Forest and Preserve consists of two separate properties totaling nearly 600 acres, making it the largest block of contiguous protected open space in Falmouth. The southern portion is Falmouth Land Trust property and the northern end is town-owned. The property is almost entirely wooded, with the upper portion bisected by a utility corridor. The West Branch of the Piscataqua River runs along the northeastern edge of the property and several small streams, some within steep ravines, drain water from Blackstrap Ridge to the river. Several miles of trails are established on the property and provide a wide variety of recreational options.

HABITAT

Blackstrap Hill Community Forest and Preserve is home to a wide variety of plants and animals, including deer, coyote, fisher, porcupines, beaver and many species of birds, reptiles and amphibians. A few very large white pine trees that escaped cutting can be found in the ravines and several waterfalls are present in the wet season. The river is particularly scenic.

HISTORY

Most of the town-owned land was acquired in 1995 as part of a comprehensive effort to preserve Wilshore Farm. The remainder of the property was acquired in 1999 by the Falmouth Land Trust. Both purchases were aided by Land for Maine Future grants. Historically, both properties were either woodlots or pasture. Water pipes found near the river are artifacts of the portable steam-power sawmills used on the site in the 1920s. The utility line was established in 1929. 

CAUTIONS

Deer ticks are common; care must be taken to avoid Lyme disease. Water should be treated before drinking. This is also a popular hunting area, so use caution during hunting season.