Blackstrap Hill Community Forest and Preserve (Falmouth Land Trust)

Use this link to access our Trail finder app.

  Hiking (trails)
  Wildlife
  Fishing
  Snowmobiling
  Hunting
  Snowshoeing
  Off-road biking
  Horseback riding      
  Cross-Country Skiing

Contact: Open Space Manager at 207.699.5312 for the Town   Director at (207) 200-5488 for the Trust

Location, Parking:  The Blackstrap Hill Community Forest and Preserve (Falmouth Land Trust) lies east of the Blackstrap Road and west of the Maine Turnpike.

  • Hurricane Road - parking lot
  • Blackstrap Road - Land Trust parking lot
  • Blackstrap Road - on street parking
  • Gray Road - no parking, connector to Hadlock Community Forest

Description:  Blackstrap Hill Community Forest and Preserve consists of two separate properties totaling nearly 520 acres, making it the largest block of contiguous protected open space in Falmouth. 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. Over nine miles of trails are established on the property and provide a wide variety of recreational options. Mountain biking is particularly popular.

History:  Most of the town-owned land was acquired in 1995 as part of a comprehensive effort to preserve Wilshore Farm. The remaining area 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.

Natural Features:  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.

Allowable 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 handicapped accessible.