Mill Brook Preserve South – Westbrook, 32 acres
 

 
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Mill Brook Preserve South was conserved in spring 2019, thanks to a donation from the Janet Smith Trust. It features mature forest, with majestic old-growth oaks and maples and floodplain wetlands. The 1.5 mile loop trail, which includes a spur trail to Mill Brook, was completed and opened in October 2019. Mill Brook is notable for the largest annual migration of alewife fish from Casco Bay to Highland Lake.

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. NOTE: Dogs must be on leash at the trailhead and on trails.

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

                  TRAIL FACTS

  • Dogs must be on leash. We will not be able to allow dogs if this rule is not followed.

  • Activities: hiking, running, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, viewing alewives

  • Hunting is not permitted

  • Leave No Trace: Please take out whatever you bring in

  • Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

  • Length: 1.5 miles

          Click for Directions to Trailhead                                  

Trail Map (click to expand)


About the Mill Brook Preserve SOUTH Trails

The trailhead is behind the Millbrook Estates parking lot on the north side of East Bridge Street, just north of downtown Westbrook. Thank you to Westbrook Housing for providing a trail easement and trailhead parking and to the Cornelia Warren Community Association for making this recreation trail possible.

The trail is a “lollipop” loop through wetlands and forested uplands, with a spur trail that goes to the bank of Mill Brook. This trail is much easier to walk than much of the other Mill Brook trail network, making it perfect for all ages. Please note that dogs must be on leash at the trailhead and on the trails - the trailhead space is shared with many other visitors and apartment residents.

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.