Kezar corridor lands

Completed in 2023, The 1,315-acre Kezar Corridor Lands (KCL) represents GLLT’s second largest conservation project to date. This land was a prime candidate for conservation not only because of its expansive, unbroken natural landscape, but also because conserving it ensures public access to numerous recreational opportunities and helps build a landscape that is more resilient to the effects of climate change. Acquisition of KCL was made possible through generous contributions from many individuals, the commitment to conservation of the James Family, and grant funding from the following organizations:

The Maine Natural Resources Conservation Program, which awards competitive grants to projects that protect valuable aquatic resources across Maine.

The U.S. Forest Service Community Forest Program

The Land For Maine’s Future Program

The Open Space Institute’s Appalachian Landscape Protection Fund, which supports the protection of climate resilient lands for wildlife and communities, and is made possible through the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation.

Davis Conservation Foundation and the Robert & Dorothy Goldberg Charitable Foundation, as well as other anonymous foundations.

Directions

From the GLLT office at 208 Main Street in Lovell, head north on Route 5. Turn right onto Old Waterford Road, which eventually turns to dirt. Follow Old Waterford Road until you reach Dan Charles Road, and at this intersection is the first parking area, which is marked by a sign and kiosk. To get to the Patterson Hill parking lot, turn down Dan Charles Road and follow it until it ends at a “T” intersection. Turn right at the T onto Patterson Hill Road. After 100 yards or so, you will see another GLLT sign and a large gravel parking lot on your right.

The Property

The first 932 acres conserved are known as the James Family Forest was the first piece of the Kezar Corridor Lands, which was acquired in 2022 thanks to the strong conservation ethic and generosity of the James Family. The James Family Forest features expansive areas of upland forest to be explored, and is also rich in aquatic resources. The property contains the entire shoreline of the 20 acre Dan Charles Pond, features many acres of wetland, and has approximately 1.4 miles of frontage along the Kezar River. In addition, numerous small streams crisscross the land, and several vernal pools provide valuable breeding habitat for amphibians. In 2023, GLLT added an additional 383 acres to KCL, conserving even more frontage along the Kezar River, Patterson Brook, rich forests, and ensuring public access to these resources.

However, arguably the highlight of the property is the expansive view from the top of 965 foot Patterson Hill. The summit can be reached by ATV, snowmobile, bike, or on foot via the Old Patterson Hill Road or can be reached on foot via the 0.8 mile Groundhog Trail. The trailhead for the Groundhog Trail is located on Old Patterson Hill Road, and is best accessed from the large parking area on Patterson Hill Road. From the parking area, turn left and walk down Patterson Hill Road until you are back at the “T” intersection. Go straight, and after about 50 yards the Groundhog trailhead will be on your right. It is marked by a sign, a small clearing, and a wooden bridge.

The property is rich in history as well, being located in the homeland of the Wabanaki People. After European colonization began displacing the Wabanki, the land became host to several homesteads in past centuries. In more recent decades the property had been managed as timberland and for recreational uses. The property has been utilized by hunters and anglers for years, and also features extensive ATV and snowmobile trails, which are stewarded by volunteers from the local Pulpit Rock Trail Blazah’s ATV Club and the Kezar Trailbreakers Snowmobile Club.

Download georeferenced preserve map

Activity Guidelines

The land is open to public use for these:

Hunting, fishing, and trapping in accordance with Maine Law
Non-commercial foraging of berries, mushrooms, and other wild edibles
Hiking and picnicking
Horseback riding and gravel biking on dirt roads/ATV trails
Cross-country skiing
Snowshoeing
Snowmobiling on designated snowmobile trails
ATV riding on designated ATV trails

These activities are not allowed:
Unauthorized cutting/removal of vegetation
Operating motorized vehicles off of designated motorized trails
Mineral extraction/prospecting
Camping

Please remember to leave a beautiful trace when visiting this place. Carry out all waste and please keep pets on a leash. Have questions about land use? Contact us!