Kezar corridor lands

Completed in 2023, The 1,315-acre Kezar Corridor Lands (KCL) represents GLLT’s 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 protecting it ensures access to numerous recreational opportunities and helps build a landscape that is more resilient to the effects of climate change. Acquisition of the 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.

The Property

The 932 acre James Family Forest was the first piece of the Kezar Corridor Lands and 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 the KCL, protecting even more frontage along the Kezar River, Patterson Brook, rich forests, and ensuring public access to these resources. GLLT was able to close the gap in riverfront conservation with its final purchase of 30 acres in spring 2023, which includes a prominent section of esker, a deposit left with the retreat of the ice sheet, along its additional half mile of Kezar River.

However, arguably the highlight of the property is the expansive view from the top of 965 foot Patterson Hill. The newly completed Trail at Patterson Hill is for hiking only and is a beautiful winding trail, ending at a sweeping overlook of the Kezar River Valley. Totalling at just under a mile and made with gentle switch-backs, this trail is perfect for a casual hike.

To get to the Trail at Patterson Hill: From the GLLT office, head north on Route 5. Turn right onto Old Waterford Road, which soon turns to dirt. Follow Old Waterford Road until you reach Dan Charles Road (this intersection is marked by a road sign, as well as a GLLT preserve sign). 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 preserve sign and a large gravel parking lot on your right. 

The property is rich in history as well, being located in the ancestral homeland of the Wabanaki People. After European settlement 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. In fact, recreation may currently be the most prolific land use. 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.

Activity Guidelines

The Reserve is open to public use for these:

  • Hunting, fishing, and trapping in accordance with Maine Law

  • Non-commercial foraging of berries and mushrooms

  • Hiking and picnicking

  • Horseback riding 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 use the land responsibly, leaving it just as you found it so that others may enjoy it as well.
    Carry out all waste, and we prefer pets to be kept on a leash.

Contact us

Greater Lovell Land Trust
P.O. Box 225
Lovell, ME 04051

We are a private, non-profit organization of local volunteers and fellow conservationists from across the U.S. and beyond, protecting our region’s lands and waters in the interest of the public. We welcome new members and contributions such as help with land purchases, property easements, gifts, or volunteers for current projects. Please join us.