Smith Preserve KCT
1100-acre forest with miles of hiking trails through a wildlife habitat & natural landscape.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Vibrant green scenery
Smith Preserve KCT
Best Time
Vibrant green scenery
Highlights
Must-see attractions
1100-acre forest with miles of hiking trails through a wildlife habitat & natural landscape.
"The place for walking is super, beautiful rocky terrain, and the distances of the trails are suitable for an easy weekend walk."
Waterproof Footwear Recommended
Bring waterproof hiking shoes to navigate muddy sections and rocky terrain. :athletic_shoe:
Bug Spray is Essential
Don't forget insect repellent, especially during warmer months. :bug:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Brook Trail
Smith Preserve
Enjoy a scenic walk along a lively brook, especially vibrant after recent rains.
Extensive Trail Network
Smith Preserve
Explore over 13 miles of well-marked trails perfect for walking, biking, and jogging.
Wildlife Habitat
Smith Preserve
Discover a diverse forest ecosystem teeming with insects and various fungi.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Best Time for Dry Trails
Trail Conditions & Accessibility
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Best mountain bike trails for beginners
Waterproof Footwear Recommended
Bring waterproof hiking shoes to navigate muddy sections and rocky terrain. :athletic_shoe:
Bug Spray is Essential
Don't forget insect repellent, especially during warmer months. :bug:
Check Trail Conditions
Visit after dry weather for the best experience, as trails can get very muddy. :cloud_rain:
Dog-Friendly Trails
Popular spot for dog walkers, so expect to see many furry friends. :dog:
Tips
from all over the internet
Waterproof Footwear Recommended
Bring waterproof hiking shoes to navigate muddy sections and rocky terrain. :athletic_shoe:
Bug Spray is Essential
Don't forget insect repellent, especially during warmer months. :bug:
Check Trail Conditions
Visit after dry weather for the best experience, as trails can get very muddy. :cloud_rain:
Dog-Friendly Trails
Popular spot for dog walkers, so expect to see many furry friends. :dog:
Mountain Biking Hotspot
Trails are well-used by mountain bikers, offering a good challenge. :mountain_bicyclist:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Smith Preserve KCT offers an extensive network of well-maintained trails through a lush forest habitat, popular with dog walkers and mountain bikers. While praised for its natural beauty and clean environment, some visitors find the terrain challenging due to rocks, roots, and mud, and the scenery can be repetitive on longer hikes.
"The place for walking is super, beautiful rocky terrain, and the distances of the trails are suitable for an easy weekend walk. I'll definitely come back)"
S S
"If you love the color green 💚, then you should visit this place in the late spring 🌱 and summer 🌞!
This preserve is a series of well maintained trails that are popular with dog 🐶 owners, mountain bike 🚲 enthusiasts and joggers. With all the recent heavy rain 🌧️ we have had and all of the mud and puddles this trail has, I encountered quite a few of the previously mentioned people. I was exploring this trail to see if my kids could walk it. They are becoming less interested in walking through forests because of all of the (I am Groot!) roots and 🪨 rocks on the ground. Parts of the trail are flat with small stones and sand mixed into the ground. Bridges have been built for crossing over streams.Signage and markers are posted to help with directions. The trail is over 13 miles.
I only walked part of the Steele trail but I did enjoy the Brook Trail. The brook has a stronger current from all of the recent rain 🌧️.
You may want to go after a dry spell. There are huge puddles and lots of mud. I was able to wash the mud off my shoes at the brook. My shoes 👟 are waterproof. Even the stones and sand are starting to wash away.
The trail is not wheelchair accessible and I would recommend a heavy duty stroller. You will need bug 🪲 repellent! You can wear regular shoes but with the mud, you may want something that is waterproof and for hiking 🥾.
From where I started, mountain bikes 🚲 may have more of a challenge riding than on the return.
I didn't encounter any animals other than insects. There were different colored mushrooms. I didn't encounter any litter 🚯. I could hear 🙉 a nearby train 🚂.
I recommend this trail but you may want to wait for it to dry out."
Stephen Priest
"The trails are well maintained and marked. Pretty cool that's it's a large extensive trail system. However, not a lot of varying terrain. There's a cool little stream to see and somewhere in the center is an interesting change in scenery, a winding Brook and some different trees. However to come here for a hike it's pretty long and boring. Mostly flat, and all the same trees and rocks"
Nicole Stafford
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Smith Preserve KCT is located near the Seashore Trolley Museum. For specific directions, you can refer to the Kennebunk Conservation Trust website.
While not explicitly detailed in reviews, the preserve is popular with various users, suggesting parking is available. It's advisable to arrive early during peak times.
Information on public transport accessibility is limited. Given its natural setting, driving is likely the most convenient option.
The trails are well-marked and have signage to help with directions. A trail map can be helpful for exploring the full 13+ miles.
Yes, it's located near the Seashore Trolley Museum, making it a potential stop for a day trip.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no mention of admission fees or tickets required for Smith Preserve KCT. It appears to be a publicly accessible natural area.
Specific opening hours are not provided, but as a natural preserve, it's likely accessible during daylight hours.
Reviews do not indicate any entrance fees for Smith Preserve KCT.
Information about guided tours is not readily available. Exploring independently is the primary way to experience the preserve.
The main restriction mentioned is that the trails are not wheelchair accessible. Always be mindful of wildlife and natural conditions.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The terrain is described as rocky and root-filled, with sections of small stones and sand. Expect muddy areas and puddles, especially after rain.
The rocky and root-filled nature of the trails can be challenging for young children. A heavy-duty stroller might be needed for very young ones, but it's not ideal for all sections.
Expect a lot of green forest scenery, with a notable brook and winding stream. Some visitors find the scenery to be 'mediocre' and lacking variety over the long trails.
While not specifically mentioned for bird watching, the preserve is a wildlife habitat, so various species may be present. You can hear a nearby train.
The trail system is extensive, with over 13 miles of paths. Individual walks can vary greatly depending on how much you choose to explore.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no dining facilities mentioned within Smith Preserve itself. Visitors typically bring their own food and drinks.
Picnicking is generally allowed in natural preserves, but specific rules for Smith Preserve are not detailed. It's a good idea to pack out all trash.
As it's located in a natural area, dining options would likely be found in nearby towns. The Seashore Trolley Museum is also in the vicinity.
The Kennebunk Conservation Trust website does not mention a cafe. Their focus is on conservation efforts.
The Kennebunk area is known for its coastal New England cuisine, including seafood.
📸 📸 Photography
The Brook Trail offers scenic views of the water, and the lush green forest provides ample opportunities for nature photography, especially in late spring and summer.
While the forest is extensive, some reviewers note a lack of varied terrain, which might limit dramatic landscape shots. The brook and stream offer more dynamic elements.
Early morning or late afternoon light can enhance the natural beauty of the forest. Consider the weather, as sunny days might create dappled light, while overcast days offer softer, more even lighting.
Look for interesting fungi, the flowing water of the brook, and the textures of the forest floor. The variety of trees also offers photographic interest.
A wide-angle lens can capture the forest expanses, while a macro lens is great for detailed shots of mushrooms and insects. A sturdy tripod can be useful for low-light conditions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during drier periods and perhaps sticking to shorter, more manageable sections of the trail. Bringing a sturdy stroller or carrier might be necessary for toddlers. The abundance of nature, including insects and varied fungi, can still be engaging for curious kids, but parents should be prepared for a more rugged adventure. Bug spray is a must!
🚴 Mountain Bikers
The well-maintained and marked trails contribute to a positive biking experience. While mud can be an issue after rain, the preserve generally offers a good network for recreational cycling. Be mindful of other trail users, including hikers and dog walkers, as the trails are multi-use.
🚶♀️ Hikers Seeking a Workout
While some find the scenery to be somewhat monotonous, the sheer length of the trails allows for a long and immersive walk. Waterproof hiking shoes are a strong recommendation to comfortably tackle the varied ground conditions. The Brook Trail offers a more scenic element with its flowing water, providing a pleasant diversion during your trek.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Trails of Smith Preserve
For those planning a visit, it's crucial to be prepared for the conditions. Waterproof hiking shoes are highly recommended, as regular footwear can become soaked and muddy. Bug repellent is also a necessity, especially during the warmer months. The preserve is not wheelchair accessible, and even a heavy-duty stroller might struggle with the uneven ground. Consider visiting after a dry spell to minimize the impact of mud and puddles.
Mountain bikers will find the trails offer a good challenge, with some suggesting that riding might be more demanding on the way out than on the return. Dog owners also frequent the preserve, so expect to encounter many canine companions. Despite the potential for challenging terrain and repetitive scenery, the well-kept trails and natural setting make it a popular spot for outdoor recreation.
The Natural Beauty and Its Challenges
However, the natural beauty comes with its own set of challenges. The terrain is described as rocky and root-filled, which can make walking difficult, especially for children or those unaccustomed to such paths. The presence of significant mud and large puddles after rain is a recurring theme in reviews, leading some to suggest waiting for drier conditions. This can detract from the experience if not properly prepared for.
Despite these challenges, the preserve offers a peaceful escape into nature. The sound of a nearby train can occasionally be heard, adding a unique auditory element to the experience. The well-maintained trails, even with their ruggedness, allow visitors to immerse themselves in the forest environment.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit