West Branch Preserve protects nearly 1.5 miles of the West Branch of Davis Stream, one of the major tributaries to Damariscotta Lake.

Come enjoy the steeply sloping terrain along the West Branch stream in Jefferson, where cascading pools of water flow through a hemlock-lined ravine to the beaver dams and meadows at the base of Haskell Hill on the western side of the Mountain Road. Protecting this land helps ensure a lengthy section of the West Branch of the Davis Stream remains clean & cool for spawning fish and helps keep the waters of Damariscotta Lake cleaner.

Several hiking trails are flat and wide and perfect for multi-use. Mountain bikers, snowmobilers, cross-country skiers, and horseback riders are all welcome. A historic stonework mill site foundation offers a glimpse back into the history of this property.

Follow ME-213 (from Newcastle) or ME-32 (from Waldoboro) into Jefferson, turning north onto ME-126 (Washington Road). Go past the Jefferson Village School. At the fork, turn left onto Village Street, then bear right onto North Mountain Road. Drive approximately 2 miles and the parking area is on the right. If you pass the sign for Rocky Mountain Road you’ve gone too far.

The Maine TrailFinder website and the AllTrails website have descriptions and maps of hikes at West Branch Preserve.