MAHOOSUC LAND TRUST
Flint Mountain Wildlands
Wildlands conservation recognizes that nearly all conservation land in our region is oriented toward active human management, and there are precious few conservation areas that are permanently dedicated to being left forever wild.
Inspired by and in memory of MLT board member and volunteer Ken Hotopp, the purpose of the Wildlands Fund is to acquire and designate land to be protected in its natural condition, in perpetuity, as free from human manipulation and disturbance as possible. These properties will allow minimal impact, non-mechanized recreation access such as walking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and canoeing. The property is owned by MLT, and held under a Forever Wild Conservation Easement with Northeast Wilderness Trust (NEWT).
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The Flint Mountain Wildlands started with a single 295-acre purchase, and will grow to include an additional 140 acres by the end of 2025. The 0.6-mile Rapa Nui trail takes visitors to the Flint Mountain Summit, with views over Chalk Pond to the south.
PRESERVE INFORMATION AND GUIDELINES:
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No camping or campfires
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Dogs on leash or voice control
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Hunting is allowed, view the hunting guidelines
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Foot traffic only
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Please carry out trash and pet waste
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Year-round parking areas are available
How to get there
From Bethel, follow ME-35/ME-5 south for 12 miles. Turn left onto ME-35S. After 0.9 miles, turn left onto Sawin Hill Road. Turn right onto Dresser School Road after 2.3 miles. The parking lot and MLT kiosk are on the left in the first 0.2 miles. Winter parking is available on the Sawin Hill roadside near the Dresser School Rd intersection.
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NOTE: Dresser School Rd and Sawin Hill Road are not through roads. Do not follow Google Map directions from Hunts Corner Road.
Notes on Topography, plants, and animals
The Preserve is home to several natural plant communities, including part of the largest red pine woodland in the state. It has long been a popular picnicking spot and a destination for picking wild blueberries.
How this place became open to the public
The Preserve, including much of the bald summit and some of the south and east-facing slopes, was purchased by the Mahoosuc Land Trust in 2007. It was acquired through the generosity of over 500 donors, grants from the Land for Maine's Future Board, and five charitable foundations.