Hiking Scenic Raymond Community Forest Trails in Raymond, Maine
Name: Raymond Community Forest
Location: Raymond, Maine
Distance: Varies, see trail descriptions
Terrain: Dirt path, rocky, roots, uneven ground
Elevation gain: Varies
Difficulty: Varies, see trail descriptions
Dogs: Allowed, must be on leash after 9:00a.m.
Raymond Community Forest offers several miles of multi-use recreational trails in the Lakes Region of Maine. With a large parking lot and clearly marked trails, adventurers of all ages can enjoy an stress-free nature walk, mountain bike ride, or a hike with scenic views of nearby Crescent Lake.
In this blog post, I share everything you need to know before hiking in Raymond Community Forest in Raymond, Maine—including how to access the trailhead, parking information, trail descriptions, the best time to visit, as well as several insider tips and the best nearby eats.
Prepare to Hike Raymond Community Forest
Check the weather forecast to ensure safe hiking conditions (the Beehive Loop is very rocky and is not safe to hike in wet conditions)
Research trail information and conditions
Pack all the hiking essentials, such as water, snacks, and a basic first-aid kit
Wear season-appropriate footwear and clothing
Click here to view my favorite pieces of hiking gear
Directions and Parking Information for Raymond Community Forest
Driving directions
The trailhead for Raymond Community Forest is located off Raymond Hill Road (Route 85) in Raymond. For driving directions via Google Maps, click here.
Parking
Raymond Community Forest has a large gravel parking lot that is plowed year-round. There are no restrooms located in the parking lot, so be sure to “go” before you arrive.
Raymond Community Forest Rules
Carry in/carry out
Stay on marked trails
Open dawn to dusk
No fires or camping
Keep dogs on leash after 9:00a.m.
Hunting and trapping are allowed, so please wear orange during these seasons
Mountain biking permitted on Grape Expectations Loop Trail and Spiller Homestead Loop Trail.
Raymond Community Forest Trail Descriptions
Click here to view the full trail map and brochure.
Spiller Homestead Loop Trail (1 mile, easy)
Spiller Homestead Loop is an easy walking trail with pink trail markers. It starts at the parking lot and connects to Grape Expectations Loop Trail and Pismere Bluff Trail.
Grape Expectations Loop Trail (1.1 miles, easy)
Grape Expectations is a gentle trail with yellow trail markers. It moves gently through the forest, passing stone walls, streams, wooden bridges, and several vernal pools along the way.
Pismere Bluff Trail (0.8 miles, moderate)
Pismere Bluff Trail is a moderate trail with blue trail markers that begins across the road from the trailhead. Walk left out of the parking lot and up the road until you see large boulders marking the trail on your right. Once you walk past the boulders and through a small grassy field, you’ll slowly make your way into the woods. The trail quickly inclines and alternates back and forth between rocky trail and dirt path until reaching a four-way intersection with the Highlands Loop Trail. To reach the scenic bluff, take a left at the four-way intersection.
Highlands Loop Trail (0.7 miles, moderate)
Highlands Loop Trail is a moderate trail marked with red trail markers. It begins and ends at the Pismere Bluff Trail intersection. This trail is mostly dirt path, forested, and ends with a short, steep hill.
Raymond Community Forest Summit
The highest point of Raymond Community Forest—the pismire bluff—provides excellent Western-facing views of Crescent Lake as well as surrounding lakes and mountains. It’s a great spot to stop for lunch or a snack and take pictures. Just be careful on the bluff, as it is surrounded by a steep drop-off.
Insider Tips for Hiking Raymond Community Forest
Best time(s) to visit: June-October, mid-week, early morning, or late afternoon.
Worst time to visit: Mud season (March/April/May)
Cell phone service can be spotty, so be sure to tell someone your plans and when you expect to arrive home so they can check on you.
Best nearby eats: The Good Life Market (to-go sandwiches, salads, meals, etc.), Yolked Farm to Table (upscale sit down restaurant with fresh food), and The Mosquito Ice Cream Shop.
Leave no Trace at Raymond Community Forest
When it comes to enjoying time outdoors, remember the golden rule: Leave No Trace. It’s as simple as picking up after yourself, staying on the trails, and leaving nature just as beautiful as you found it. By practicing Leave No Trace, you help preserve the magic of Maine for future adventurers to enjoy, so everyone can keep enjoying the same beautiful, wild world we love.
Interested in more Maine hiking information and tips? You can find them all here.
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With love,
My Maine
