Conserving and Exploring Together

RRCT's conserved properties offer a diversity of ecosystems and activities. Find the one that's right for you.

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Trails, preserves, and farms

Plan your visit and explore the Royal River

PLAN YOUR VISIT

Best Nature Walks

The Royal River watershed features many wonderful places to walk through nature including these remarkable locations.

Best Birding in the Royal River Watershed

The Royal River watershed is home to many amazing natural wonders including a whole host of birds. Derek Lovitch of Freeport Wild Bird Supply and author of How to Be A Better Birder (March 2012, Princeton University Press) and Birdwatching In Maine: A Site Guide (April 2017, University Press of New England) has helped us compile the best birding in the Royal River watershed.

Best Ice Skating in the Royal River Watershed

While the ice skating season isn't nearly as long as it once was, the Royal River watershed is full of interesting and exciting places to skate - including many locations on RRCT conserved land. Please always be attentive to safety and especially to ice thickness. For a list of the best ice skating locations in the Royal River watershed, click here.

Best Mountain Biking in the Royal River Watershed

The Royal River watershed has a rapidly growing network of mountain biking destinations with a wide variety of trails and terrain.

Best Family-Friendly Paddles in the Royal River Watershed

These seven easy, flatwater, portage-free, and free public access paddling trips are perfect places to start exploring the Royal River watershed. They are great for families and beginner paddlers and all are round-trip adventures, so you won’t have to arrange a car-drop or shuttle. See Royal River Water Trail for more information about any or all of these spots.

RRCT 400-Footer Club

The RRCT 400-Footer Club introduces people to RRCT’s favorite high-elevation outdoor destinations. Complete all ten and you become a RRCT 400-Footer Club Member.

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Get Out! Nature Walks

Get Out! Nature Walks are volunteer-led regular trips with trained master naturalists and other skilled volunteer leaders. The outings are well-planned, no-cost, guided adventures held once-per-month on Wednesdays at 2 pm. They are always free and held rain, snow, or shine. Check our detailed schedule below for specifics or updates.

Jointly offered by Chebeague and Cumberland Land Trust and Royal River Conservation Trust, our nature walks are at preserves in the Towns of Chebeague Island, Cumberland, Yarmouth, North Yarmouth, Pownal, Gray, New Gloucester, and anywhere else we decide to roam.

Be mindful of the weather, and dress accordingly. Bring appropriate gear, snacks, and a thermos or water bottle. Nature walks typically involve getting on our knees with a hand lens, or standing still for ten minutes craning up at a treetop. Trips are great for kids 6+. Our curriculum is targeted at adults and engaged youth. Because the purpose is nature observation, we ask that dogs please stay at home.

Questions can be directed to info@ccltmaine.org.

Upcoming Get Out! Nature Walks

Aug
26

Get Out! Nature Walk: Ferns

Wednesday, August 26, 2026
   |   
2:00 pm
  -  
3:30 pm

Knight's Pond Preserve, 477 Greely Rd Extension, Cumberland Center

Join us at Knight's Pond Preserve to learn the fascinating world of ferns! We'll cover some basics of learning to identify several different ferns, some of their (very ancient) history, and their unique reproductive cycle, all while enjoying the beauty of Knight's Pond Preserve. The walk will largely be on level ground, some a bit rooty, and will not exceed a mile in length. We'll meet just off the parking lot. Come prepared for sun and possibly insects.

More Info
Sep
23

Get Out! Nature Walk: Woods in Autumn

Wednesday, September 23, 2026
   |   
2:00 pm
  -  
3:30 pm

Rines Forest, 352-362 Range Rd, Cumberland

Explore the beautiful woods of Rines Forest in autumn!

More Info