The 44-acre Seawards Mills Stream Conservation Area was donated to KLT by Elizabeth Cole, a long time Vassalboro resident, in June 2011. This permanently conserved property features a mature hemlock forest, 3,800 feet of undeveloped frontage on historic Seawards Mills Stream, and 15 acres of agricultural fields which are leased to Vassalboro farmer, Dana Suga.
Seawards Mills Stream, which flows 2.7 miles from the outlet of Threemile Pond (elevation 180 feet) into Webber Pond (elevation 120 feet), is important wildlife habitat and is also an alewife passageway. The field edge, open water and wetlands along the stream, woodlands and vernal pools also provide excellent habitat for deer, waterfowl, amphibians and songbirds.
An easy one-mile loop trail on the north side of the stream begins at the KLT sign and follows the stream.
As you hike the trail along the stream, many species of birds can be seen and heard.
Public uses: This KLT property is open to the public for hiking, nature observation, cross-country skiing, hunting, and other low impact non-motorized recreation. No ATV’s are permitted. The agricultural fields are leased to a neighboring farmer. Please do not walk through the farm fields or park in field entrances.
Parking and trail access: Parking is along the edge of the Seaward Mills Road, 0.2 mile east of the intersection of the Cross Hill Road and Seaward Mills Road. Look for the KLT sign and registration box at the edge of the field. Trail: An easy trail features 3,800 feet of undeveloped frontage along Seawards Mills Stream, wetlands and woodlands. Be careful if you loop back along the Seaward Mills Road. Total length from trailhead back to the designated parking area; 1.0 miles.
Dogs: Out of respect for hikers and small children, dogs should be under voice command or on a leash. Please pick up after your pets.
Directions: From Route 201 in Vassalboro (roughly two miles north of the Augusta-Vassalboro line), travel east on the Webber Pond Road, for 1 mile. Turn right on the Hannaford Hill Road; travel 2.1 miles to the Cross Hill Road. Turn left on the Cross Hill Road, travel north for 1.6 miles. Turn right on Seaward Mills Rd. Parking is along the edge of the road, 0.2 miles on the right. Look for the KLT sign, registration box and trailhead at the edge of the field and woods.
Theresa Kerchner