Located off of Shore Road in Cape Elizabeth, Robinson Woods Preserve contains 197 acres of woodlands, fields, ponds, streams, waterfalls and massive white pine, red oak and hemlock - some as many as 300 years old! It offers over four miles of public trails on varied terrain, open year round for hiking, mountain biking and snow shoeing. Dogs are allowed, but must be kept on leash. Read about Enock Glidden's experience using a wheelchair on these trails through Maine Trail Finder's website here.
This preserve is managed by the Cape Elizabeth Land Trust (CELT) and is divided into four well maintained parcels that also provide an important connection for the Cross Town Trail, linking Fort Williams to Kettle Cove. Due to its uneven terrain, these woods were not suitable for farming, so the preserve has remained in its natural state for hundreds of years.
I've explored all parts of Robinson Woods, but would recommend heading left from the small dirt parking lot and finding the blue blazed Field Trail. This will lead you through a field, along the left side of a pond, then back into the woods.
This trail eventually connects with the green blazed Pond Trail. Here you will find an aluminum boardwalk across a pond, leading to a larger pond view.
As you follow the Pond Trail further, you will arrive at a waterfall...a surprising treasure.
Follow this trail all the way to your starting point, then stop for a visit at Pond Cove. There are many other paths and loops to choose in this preserve...and plenty of maps along the way.
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