Hidden Valley Nature Center

Deborah Fahy

2024-04

So glad we finally visited Hidden Valley Nature Center! It has an extensive trail network through varied terrain.Do not miss the bog boardwalk (pictured) - I did not realize that pitcher plants grew this far south, I've only seen them before up in Baxter State Park.We did 3 miles and there's still so much to explore. We heard a barred owl call near the pond in the middle of the day. We'll be back!

Shane Riley

2023-05

Loved this place!!! Great loops available with lots of information on the different trails. Be careful of ticks as we visited in late December during a warm spell and found 6 or 7 on each of of dogs. Will definitely be returning when we road trip out to Maine again!

Bob Bickel

2023-05

A very large preserve with over 20 miles of trails, a very large pond you can swim in and several small ones.

The Dislike Button

2024-02

The big issue is they're destroying deer sanctuary and winter habitat, without any approval from State biologists. They also fly the pride flag at their barn, which sends the wrong message to children. It's a political amphitheater, with very little stewardship. They need biologists to consult them on what areas should be off limits to lumber harvesting.

Jennifer Libby

2023-05

Snowshoeing for the first time! Amazing place. Gorgeous trails. Nature lovers paradise!

Hannah Keogh-Dwyer

2023-05

This place is awesome! Just took a 2 day chainsaw class through Midcoast Conservancy. Highly recommend, Tish and John (Mike I think was the third instructors name)... all were fabulous teachers. Hope to come back and explore the trails soon.

Charlie Hohn

2019-05

Just saw the bog. It’s awesome. Though there were some hornets around the boardwalk in a bad mood so keep an eye out for that.

Lisa H.

2023-05

Gorgeous hike through the woods after a fresh snow fall. Groomed trails for cross country skiing and snow shoeing. $5.00 admission but well worth it. A gem in the countryside.

bid munk

2021-05

Great trails! A venue in the center of the trails as well that looks like fun. Didn't see a show. You can rent fat tire bikes and cross country skis, dogs are allowed, and there are several cabins you can rent overnight throughout! Will definitely be back

Brett Miller

2022-05

Nordic skied here yesterday for the first time. Just got a mother dumper of a snowstorm and the skiing was fast and fun. It was a mix of groomed trails and backcountry stuff that has been lightly broken out by other skiers/snowshoers. The terrain is rolly but not terribly steep, good fun. Lots of other peeps out, it is a popular place.

J D

2021-05

Within its 1000 scenic acres thus park offers many miles of trails that range in all difficulty levels. From scenic landscape views on the hills to the intricate flower species of the bog there's bound to be something for everyone to enjoy. Ski's, fat-tire bikes, snowshoes available for winter rental on the weekends!

Daniel Cahalane

2021-05

Amazing place for cross-country skiing. If this place was in the upper mid-west it would be a considered a resort. Miles of groomed trails plus cabins if you want to stay overnight. All its missing is a lodge! Hidden gem in the midcoast.

Geoff K

2019-05

Great hiking trails! Interesting programming, many different events on the calendar. Lots of wildlife, fantastic place for birding. Beavers, otters, owls and more. They even have cabins and yurts for overnight rental. Members get a 40% discount, so membership basically pays for first few nights rental. Great XC skiing in wintertime, too.

Meghadeepa

2023-05

The Crossbill Loop trail was well-maintained and clearly marked, with illustrated story panels for kids along the way. I loved the bog with plenty of carnivorous plants, and it was magical to find breeding Canada Warblers and Northern Parula, which are my favourite warbler species. Beware of bugs (at least in mid-June): I went on a cool day in the middle of the day, and had to slather on several layers of permethrin, picaridin, and lemon-eucalyptus oil, as well as take a citronella wristband…and I got the feeling that I would still have been swarmed by insects if I hadn’t been wearing full sleeves and pants. There are no amenities, no phone reception, and no real “nature center” here. I only encountered one human who was doing carpentry work on what’s probably going to be a nature center one day, but I’m a birder and enjoy isolated spots and it was perfect for what I was looking for.

Kathie Brown

2018-05

I had a nice hike along the Crossbills Trail and Moose Alley. I saw and heard many species of birds and for the most part the trails were well marked, but where Moose Alley joined with Coburn Hill things got a bit confusing and there was one junction where 5 trails came together and there was no clear indication of which was the way back to the parking lot. I figured it out on my own and made it safely back, but a wrong turn would have sent me far out of my way and I was already tired. Still, I will go back again. This is an amazing place and I am so glad they have conserved it.

Teresa Merrifield

2020-05

Beautiful trails plenty of groomed and ungroomed trails and well matked

Mattman2504

2019-05

Go outside! Put the devices and the games down and go find some fun in the woods at Hidden Valley Nature Center. There's trees, trails ponds, and a whole lot of good old fashioned nature to be had here. Bring your wife, your dog or even your kids and get outdoors!

Ian Redbeard

2018-05

Spent a night in the Two Dog Hut. Accidentally walked all the way up to the Dyer Pond cabin but I'm happy I did. Will likely come back with a group of friends. Loved every minute of my time there. Highly recommend this place.

Geoff K

2020-05

Full moon hike was a blast! HVNC is a great place, lots of trails, great events like music festivals, trail races, XC ski clinics for kids. A jewel in Midcoast Conservancy's crown of preserves.

Will Cron

2018-05

After years of driving past the parking lot, I finally stopped and checked it out. Maybe it is hidden because many, like myself, drive by and make the wrong assumption (Maybe, like me, some may believe "if you seen one preserve than you have seen them all.) I was wrong in my presumption. Wow--the place is beautiful and very interesting place to explore.

Andy Bryan

2019-05

We did the 24 hour adventure race which started and ended here. Many excellent hiking/ biking trails. Very limited services and facilities.

Megan Steele Giakas

2023-05

Always a great spot to visit, whether you are attending a workshop, going for a hike, or looking for a spot to ski!

Jean Ashmore

2022-05

Fabulous preserve!! The guide from Idaho was really nice...so was Neil..arm in sling. Very welcoming for first timers.

Brandon Anderson

2019-05

Well maintained and easy to follow trails.

Greg Koski

2022-05

A well managed preserve with trails, function facilities and rental cabins for a nature experience...kudos to the Midcoast Conservancy for their efforts!

Kris Sanborn

2021-05

Parking is limited and very uneven ..... trails not well marked what so ever.Some gorgeous views over the water !!!!Not sure I would go back .

Alan

2018-05

Love the expansive terrain and variety of trails. Getting better at providing trail maps and signage, but still could be improved. 3/18/18

Brigham Prescott

2018-05

Great network of well-maintained trails and cabins. Good for cross-country skiing, walking, trail running, and families.

Adair Burton

2022-05

The trail signs could be a better for someone like me who is challenged by reading a map.But nice area

Kelly H

2021-05

Some of the paths seemed like ATV trails rather than hiking paths. Bring bug spray and apply liberally then reapply.