The American Chestnut was once an important tree in the northern forest, though it has largely disappeared following the introduction of a fungus blight in the early 1900s. A few chestnut holdouts, however, remain in part due to natural variation and human efforts to bring them back. And the tallest one in North America happens to be located in Lovell. District Forester Shane Duigan of the Maine Forest Service will share the story of how it was discovered. We'll then hike to view some other chestnut trees at the Heald and Bradley Ponds Reserve.

Trailhead: Meet at the Fairburn parking lot (beyond the boat launch) on Slab City Road to carpool.

Degree of Difficulty: Moderate