Mill Brook Preserve – Westbrook, 130 acres

Mill Brook Preserve features a 6-mile trail system first opened in 2016 on 130 acres of forested land along Mill Brook in Westbrook. Mill Brook is notable for the largest annual migration of alewife fish from Casco Bay to Highland Lake. The fish migration can be seen while hiking along the trail in late May and early June. This secluded and hilly forest valley is peaceful and feels remote while just minutes from Maine’s largest urban center.

This Preserve is in the homeland of the Wabanaki People. We respectfully acknowledge these People of the Dawn–past, present and future–and their connection to these lands and waters.

Please see below for the trail map and more information about the preserve and trails.

Also, you can access educational resources and
activities for kids on the Explore Mill Brook page.

TRAIL FACTS

Activities: hiking, running, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing,
Viewing the largest alewife fish migration from Casco Bay. During the run please do not get into the water, and please keep dogs on leash and out of the water.

Hunting is bow and arrow only
Leave No Trace: Please take out whatever you bring in
Difficulty: Moderate (South and North) to Difficult (Center and parts of the North)
Length: 6 miles

Click for Directions to Trailhead

Trail Map (click to expand)

Click here for a printable map of the southern section, which includes the recommended route to the main fish viewing pool and family scavenger hunt points.

About the Mill Brook Preserve Trails

There are four trailheads that you can use to access the trails:

Northern trailhead, (primary trailhead) intersection of Methodist Road and Route 302, 8 car spots.
***PLEASE DO NOT USE ALLEN KNIGHT ROAD FOR TURNING AROUND.*** Methodist Road trailhead, next to 789 Methodist Road, parking along either side of Methodist.
MAGAN trailhead, is across the street from Willow Drive (where parking is available) off of Route 302. Please use caution when crossing Route 302 to get to the trailhead).
Southern trailhead is on Perry Court (off Methodist Road) next to 55 Perry Court, which is public road, parking is allowed along the road.

The trail runs along the Mill Brook, crossing it in several places. The northern and southern sections are moderately hilly and offer excellent opportunities to see alewives in late Spring and to catch scenic glimpses of the Brook and other wildlife year-round. The central section that connects them is for the more adventurous visitor, offering rugged climbs and traverses of steep hills above the water. Though close to Portland, the only noise you will hear throughout much of the trail is running water and wildlife.

Mill Brook runs from Highland Lake in Windham to central Westbrook where it empties into the Presumpscot River. As many as nine different fish species historically migrated to and from the ocean via the Brook, providing an important ecological link between marine and terrestrial ecosystems. The return of alewives to the Brook is the first step in restoring that ecology.

Mill Brook Preserve is owned in fee by the Presumpscot Regional Land Trust.