Gibson Preserve is a unique 165-acre property that teems with wildlife and recreational opportunities, as it provides both habitat for at least 75 animal species and offers more than 3 miles of trail to explore. The preserve protects a natural aquifer in Searsmont and has over 1 mile of frontage on the St. George River - perfect for fly fishing, enjoying waterfront views, or paddling. The Gibson Preserve also protects the sensitive wetland ecosystem of Witcher Swamp, which houses black spruce bog - a globally rare plant community. 

Conservation History

Gibson Preserve was gifted to the land trust by Dana and Kay Gibson, who used to retreat to the cabin on this land in their free time during their careers as maritime historians in Camden. Since 1999, they have gifted abutting parcels to expand this preserve. Today, we host educational events, school trips, volunteer gatherings, and provide intern housing at the cabin, while maintaining the trails throughout the preserve. 

Northern Preserve Trails
Accessible Trail  

From the parking lot on Route 173, an accessible trail takes users along the St. George River with many scenic viewpoints along the way. This trail has rest spots every 200ft with ADA-approved benches and a loop with a spur trail that brings users closer to the river. There are interpretive panels along the trail that have information about the flora, fauna, and human history of Gibson Preserve. There are two accessible parking spots with hard packed aggregate, the same surface as the accessible trail.

Length: 0.4 miles

Width: 5 feet

Surface: Hard packed 3/8th inch angular aggregate

Obstacles: The connected Northern Trail is not made to the same standard and is a woodland trail. Trail surface cleared from debris regularly throughout the warmer seasons but can accumulate more frequently in the fall. Trail is not cleared in the winter.

Woodland Trail  

Users can access this trail via the accessible trail. This walk features young pines, mossy rocks, and a close view of the river and surrounding floodplains. The trail creates a loop with a spur that brings users closer to a deep section of the river called “the pool.” A section of the trail goes by the Gibson Cabin, which is used as office space by land trust staff and is a frequent community event space. To see upcoming events at the Gibson Preserve and Cabin, see our calendar.

Length: 0.7 miles

Width: 3 feet

Surface: Packed earth

Obstacles: Rocks, roots, uneven ground, bog bridging, seasonally wet areas

Southern Preserve Trails 
Blue Trail  From the parking lot at the end of Cedar Lane, the trail system can be found down the logging road beyond the kiosk. About 200 feet in, the Blue Trail begins on the left, diving into a mixed softwood forest. This winding trail brings users down the St. George River and follows its banks for a short period of time until it intersects with the Yellow Trail and Georges Highland Path (GHP). A loop can be made by following the Yellow Trail that connects back to the Blue Trail near the parking lot. The Gibson GHP section continues to the Frye Headwaters GHP, crossing over 173 and heading north toward Frye Mountain. 

Length: 0.8 miles

Width: 3 feet

Surface: Packed earth

Obstacles: Rocks, roots, uneven ground, bog bridging, seasonally wet areas

Yellow Trail  

This short section of trail connects to the Blue Trail in two locations. Users pass through a wetland with active beavers and across streams that can be seasonally flooded. Using this section of trail along with the Blue Trail, hikers can make a 1.5 mile loop from the parking lot.

Length: 0.3 miles

Width: 3 feet

Surface: Packed earth Obstacles: Rocks, roots, uneven ground, bog bridging, seasonally wet areas