The Highland Research Forest is a 420-acre preserve in Bridgton, Maine, and part of the headwaters for Highland Lake. The land was donated to LEA by the Hancock Family Foundation in 2016. Another 80 acres were added by the Hatch Family in 2018. Prior to any trails or groundwork, we worked with ecological consultant Dr. Rick Van de Poll to determine sensitive areas, areas of interest, and areas for further research. We laid out and installed trails, a small parking lot, and a privy in 2018 and 2019. We worked with forester Paul Larrivee and Dr. Van de Poll to create a forest management plan for the parcel to shape future stewardship goals. Eventually, the research forest will become a place that offers visitors a glimpse into sustainable harvesting, the importance of a forested watershed, and a space for long-term research projects related to woods, wildlife, soil, and water.
Click below to download the trail map
Highland Ridge Ski Trails – check out this map to see how our Highland Research Forest trails connect to the network of cross-country ski trails at Highland Ridge. Ski trails are maintained by Roger Lowell and many volunteers. Map created by Steve Bushey.
Privy: The privy is located a few hundred feet down the trail from the parking lot. It is lovingly maintained and restocked by volunteer Laura Cleveland. We ask that you clean up after yourself and don’t leave trash behind. The privy, outhouse, and parking lot were installed between 2018 and 2019 with support from grant funding, Dyer Excavation, volunteer Jim Kelley, and trail intern Addie Casali.
Directions
To get to the Research Forest: Heading north on Rt. 117 from Bridgton, take a left onto Middle Ridge Road. At the crossroad, continue straight to Upper Ridge Road. Note the stop sign; crossing Chadbourne Hill Road traffic does not stop. After heading down a steep hill with a power line clearing, take a left onto Commons Drive. The trailhead parking area is on the left after one mile. There is a small side trail that you will drive by on the left before you get to the main parking lot.
