The Rockland Bog Preserve is a 550-acre peatland bog ecosystem that was conserved in 2022 and 2023 to protect valuable wildlife habitat, sensitive wetlands, and offer recreational opportunities across this varied landscape. The preserve has significant inland wading bird habitat, deer wintering areas, and hosts a rare fen wetland ecosystem. 

There are a myriad of walking and mountain biking trails throughout the Bog as well as multiple access points to the preserve. Georges River Land Trust maintains the parking lots located off Beechwood Street and off Route 90 at the end of Johanson Boatworks. You can also visit the Bog from connecting trails at our Jack Baker Woods Preserve, across the street from the Beechwood entrance, or at the town-maintained Bog Overlook trail and parking lot in Rockland. Come visit any time of year to hike, bike, hunt, birdwatch, or cross-country ski! 

A section of the Georges Highland Path runs through the main Rockland Bog Parcel.

 

Conservation History 
This preserve was permanently protected with support from the local community, from Rockland and beyond, as well as land trust members and private foundations. The Bog has been used for many years by the local community to hunt, recreate, commute, and exercise. In 2022, the land trust contracted with Outdoor Sports Institute to survey the public and create a long-term management plan for this trail system, as it is ever-evolving alongside the needs of the community and the environment.

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Trails
Logging Roads

The main section of the preserve has been logged over the years, which established a large network of logging roads. These roads bring users past large fields, through young and old growth forests, and feature many hardwood species throughout. There is a large beaver presence on the preserve that can be seen at different points from the logging roads as well. There are multiple loops users can make from Beechwood Street with the logging roads and GHP section of trail. 

Length: 5 miles

Width: 15-20 ft

Surface: Dirt road

Obstacles: Uneven surfaces, steep inclines

GHP Section

Running near the East Branch of the Oyster River, this GHP section is one of GRLT’s oldest trails. Recent reroutes have brought the trail away from the river, creating a natural buffer between recreation and sensitive habitat. This is a favorite section for mountain bikers and trail users alike, featuring many bridges over seasonal streams, views of the river and beaver habitat, and changing forest types along the route. The trail connects to different logging road sections, giving users more opportunity to make large loops throughout the preserve. 

From the Rockland Bog Preserve, the GHP continues south for 3.5 miles to Jack Baker Woods Preserve, and north 3 miles to the parking lot off of Route 90. See more information about these trails here.

Length: 1.2 miles (continues beyond preserve)

Width: 3 ft

Surface: Packed Mineral Soil

Obstacles: Uneven surfaces, rocks and roots