This 1-mile woodland trail is on an easement on private land. There is an abundance of very large pine along with a variety of ferns, mosses and mushrooms. This trail is a great choice for snowshoeing!

Check out FBC’s newest self-guided hike: Learn About Ferns, a guide to 14 ferns you can find at Simon Trail. 

Trail Description

This flat 1.1 mile wooded loop trail is located on a lush 70-acre property protected by conservation easement.

Frenchman Bay Conservancy is committed to increasing the accessibility of our trails so that all people can enjoy the benefits of nature. As a first step, we have started developing detailed descriptions of our trails that include elements such as terrain, slope, trail width, rest areas, and more so that visitors can make informed decisions about whether a trail is a good fit for their abilities. Feel like something is missing from the description or have any observations to share that can make our trails safer or easier to navigate? Please let us know by emailing info@frenchmanbay.org or calling (207) 422-2328. We look forward to hearing from you!

The Trail loop begins just a short walk away from Simon trail’s 5-car parking lot. Starting on the left side of the loop, the trail weaves through the ferns and mossy forest on native soil and pine needles. There is occasional bog bridging over the wet areas and the path varies in width from 2-3 ft. The path is fairly flat with a few rocks and roots to step over. 

Nearly halfway around the trail loop there is an outdoor classroom with log stool seating that can accommodate approximately 20 people. The classroom is free to use, but is first-come, first-serve unless otherwise organized with FBC staff. The most direct route to the classroom is to use the left / southern side of the loop, which is located roughly 0.4 miles from the parking lot.

The second half of the loop has additional bog bridging and slightly less level terrain. There are a few locations where unused or private trails intersect with the designated trail loop. Please follow the arrows and signage at each trail crossing to remain on the FBC marked trail. The general consensus taken from visitor reviews is that this trail is considered to be an easy hike. 

The closest public restroom to Simon Trail is either the Lamoine Marketplace, at 624 Douglas Hwy, Lamoine, ME, 2.4 miles from the trailhead, or Tideway Marketplace, at 750 US-1, Hancock, Me, 4.3 miles away. We ask visitors to remember to practice Leave No Trace when visiting our preserves.

Directions

On coastal Rte 1N in Ellsworth, turn right on Douglas Highway (Rt 184) and drive 2.8  miles.  Immediate past the Lamoine Town Hall turn left on Pinkam’s Flats Road (Rt 204 which becomes Partridge Cove Rd) and drive 2.3 miles to the Simon Trail parking lot on the right.