Everyone has that one place. A spot close to home they visit when they need to unwind and reset after a rough day. For some people, this place is a beach, park, or even a shopping mall. Most days, my special place is Sebago Lake Land Reserve. It’s only a 15-minute drive from my house and recreates feelings that I usually only experience in a tranquil forest or on a mountaintop. Because this reserve is so special, I would like to share it with others in hopes that they enjoy it as much as I do.

This 1700-acre land reserve opened in 2005. It’s open to the public and offers a network of trails that connect to the well-known Sea to Sebago Trail and Mountain Division Trail. The trails are all wide and well maintained, making them well suited for a number of activities.

The parking lot for the reserve is located on the left side of Route 237 (also known as White Rock Road) when driving from Little Falls towards Sebago Lake. At the kiosk in the parking lot, there are trail maps, information sheets, and a sign asking visitors to fill out a permit to use the trails. Due to COVID-19, the permit requirement is currently suspended.

In the Winter, there are numerous activities permitted in the land reserve, such as: hiking, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and ice fishing. There is also a large sledding hill that’s great for adventurers of all ages. In the Summer, visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, mountain biking, and horseback riding.

The reserve also features four ponds that are often referred to as Otter Ponds. These ponds are a great spot to search for wildlife. Some of the most frequently seen wildlife includes foxes, owls, raccoons, and hawks. The ponds are also a nice, relaxing place to drop a line from a fishing pole or enjoy a picnic on one of the benches.

My favorite activity is exploring the 13.5 miles of hiking trails with my dog, Boone. To complete my usual 3-mile loop, start on the Sea to Sebago Trail and then take a left onto the Bobcat Trail followed by a right onto 3 Rock Walk. Continue straight through to the Raven Trail followed by a left onto the Buck Trail. This trail meets back up with the Sea to Sebago Trail.

Continue left on the Sea to Sebago Trail, then take the Snake View Trail followed by a left onto the Acadia Loop Trail and another left onto the Pond View Trail. After going down a steep hill, there will be a large open dirt field. Bear left until finding the Sea to Sebago Trail signs again. Stay straight on this trail and it will bring you right back to the parking lot. For a detailed map of the trails, click here.

It’s easy to spend a few hours or even a full day at the reserve, as it offers a variety of outdoor activities for every season. Most of the trails are also relatively flat, making them family friendly and accessible. Don’t take my word for it—grab your fishing pole, mountain bike, or hiking boots and experience it for yourself!