At 212 acres in size, this is the largest undeveloped property in Cumberland (163 acres) and part of North Yarmouth (50 acres). It includes a 46-acre great pond with two smaller ponds, forested uplands, a network of connecting trails, wetlands, streams and views of Casco Bay and Mount Washington. This is a critical wildlife habitat and a great place to kayak, canoe, hike, bike, snowshoe, cross-country ski, and ice skate. This spot includes ample parking and is less than 12 miles from Portland.
From ME-9 East in Cumberland Center, turn left onto Greely Road Extension. The parking lot is about 1 mile down on the right. A second access point can be found at the end of Greely Road Extension with parking on the road for a few cars. This is also where you would connect to Farwell Forest, which is the last trail we explored. Read about Farwell Forest here.
Knight's Pond is managed by the Chebeague & Cumberland Land Trust (CCLT), the Royal River Conservation Trust, and the Town of Cumberland. For a printable scavenger hunt at Knight's Pond, plus more details on the trail, visit CCLT's website here: https://www.ccltmaine.org/knights-pond-preserve
Wheelchair access at Knight's Pond Preserve was recently highlighted in a national PBS news story, focused on the completion of the final section of the 11-mile West Side Trail in Yarmouth. The final mile will be accessible to those with disabilities. Enock Glidden, who was born with spina bifida, has been traveling all over Maine to test trails for the app Maine Trail Finder. In this video, he explores Knight's Pond Preserve. It's exciting to see the growing movement towards hiking trails that are accessible to all! Watch the PBS News Video.
I walked Knight's Pond this past weekend with my two boys. We hadn't been here in over two years and it was crazy to compare the pictures and see how much they've changed. Same trail, same people, a whole new stage of our lives. Henry was into fishing back then and Finn was skateboarding every day. Now they have new interests and I've also changed in many ways. Still, this peaceful preserve remains relatively unchanged, which brings a certain level of comfort. Change is inevitable, and good, but I do love the grounding nature of returning to the same trails over time - trails that change at such a slow pace, it's almost imperceptible.
Knight's Pond is a pretty special place. You'll have to visit yourself for the full experience.
I'll leave you with a picture of a wild fungi, taken by my son Henry. Lucky for me, he's now interested in photography. In my opinion, this is much more fun than fishing. I'll enjoy this interest while it lasts, then we'll just embrace the next thing when it comes and try to flow with the changes. It's what makes life interesting. And through it all, the trails will keep us grounded.
Photo by Henry McMahon
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