Midcoast Conservancy has made great strides in protecting an undeveloped section of Waldo County in Montville. The Whitten Hill, Bog Brook, and Northern Headwaters preserves protect more than 1,250 acres of contiguous habitat. The trail system traverses grassland fields and forests with a mix of maple, oak, birch, pine, spruce, and balsam fir. 

The trails meander along pristine headwaters streams, pass glacial erratics, and weave through groves of mature trees - some more than 200 years old. Panoramic views greet hikers at the tops of Frye Mountain, Hogback Mountain, and Goose Ridge. Signs of wildlife abound and the birding is excellent. Trails cross the forever wild preserves and privately owned lands; the generosity of private landowners makes this network possible.

The Hemlock Hollow Trail crosses the uppermost section of the Sheepscot, which is an excellent rearing habitat for brook trout and Atlantic salmon; if you look closely in the shallow pools you may see wild Atlantic salmon fry only a few inches long. Anglers can help endangered Atlantic salmon by practicing catch and release on the Sheepscot River and its tributaries.

A section of these trails is also a part of the Waldo County Trails Coalition's 46-mile Hills to Sea Trail, which links towns from Belfast to Unity. In addition, these trails connect to 11 miles of trail maintained by Georges River Land Trust.