Conserving and Exploring Together

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

Explore all trailsDownload a watershed map

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

Jun
24

Partner Event: Riverfront Ramble

Wednesday, June 24, 2026
   |   
9:00 am
  -  
11:00 am

Riverfront Woods Preserve, End of Riverfront Drive, Yarmouth

Join Yarmouth’s Sustainability Office for a guided walk through the Riverfront Woods Preserve (Sipuhsisuwi Kcihq). Discover native and invasive plants, forest pests, and semi-aquatic species along the way with State Horticulturist Gary Fish!

More InfoRegister Here
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! We will be looking for signs of the changing seasons and evidence of how nature adapts.  The trail will be uneven and steep in a few sections, so appropriate footwear and poles (if you need extra support) are recommended.

Naturalists: Karen Massey and Mary Brandes

More Info
Oct
28

Get Out! Nature Walk: Mushrooms

Wednesday, October 28, 2026
   |   
2:00 pm
  -  
3:30 pm

Elmwood Trails, 819 Elmwood Road, Pownal

Learn about the magical world of fungi at Elmwood Trails in Pownal! The trail meanders through peaceful hemlock woods with occasional bog bridges. We will keep our fingers crossed that conditions will be right for the chance to observe a variety of mushrooms! Always free, always open to all.

Naturalists: Karen Massey and Beth Sturtevant

More Info
Nov
16

Nature Journaling Workshop with Rebekah Lowell

Monday, November 16, 2026
   |   
1:00 pm
  -  
4:00 pm

Littlejohn Island Preserve, Pemasong Lane, Yarmouth

Join Maine Master Naturalist, author/illustrator, and educator Rebekah Lowell at Littlejohn Island Preserve for an afternoon of slowing down, observing, and connecting with the natural world. Through drawing exercises, texture studies, and creative prompts, you'll begin your own nature journaling practice. No art experience necessary!  Anyone with a sense of curiosity and a desire to learn how to nature journal can join!

This workshop is free but limited to 12 participants. Register to reserve your spot!

More InfoRegister Here
Nov
18

Get Out! Nature Walk: Geology

Wednesday, November 18, 2026
   |   
2:00 pm
  -  
3:30 pm

Tyron Mountain. Meet at the parking lot at 500 Lawrence Road, Pownal

Learn about the unique geology of Tryon Mountain in Pownal!

Naturalists: Karen Massey and Mary Brandes

More Info
Dec
16

Get Out! Nature Walk: Winter Solstice

Wednesday, December 16, 2026
   |   
2:00 pm
  -  
3:30 pm

Location: TBD

‍Curriculum: Winter solstice

Naturalists: Margaret Reimann and Anne Payson

More Info