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The Mount Agamenticus region, covering 30,000 acres in the southern tip of Maine, represents the largest intact coastal forest between Acadia National Park and the New Jersey Pine Barrens.
The preserve, which straddles the towns of York and Ogunquit, offers exceptional wildlife habitat and great hiking, mountain biking and wildlife watching opportunities. Its 500-foot summit in York offers exquisite vistas of southern Maine and the White Mountains.
Currently, about 11,000 acres have been protected through land acquisition and easements.
This unique region is the northern range of southern hardwood species such as shagbark hickory and chestnut oak. An Atlantic white cedar swamp, dotted with hemlock and black gum trees, can be found along one of the mountain's former ski slopes.
The wetlands offer breeding and feeding grounds for wood frogs, blue-spotted salamanders, the threatened spotted and Blanding's turtles, and the rare ebony and ringed boghaunted dragonflies. These rich forests and fields also support a wide range of mammals and birds, including the snowshoe hare, black bear, wild turkey and the great horned owl.
For some of these species, especially the Blanding's and spotted turtles, Mount Agamenticus represents their last refuge in Maine. Rapid development and urban sprawl are threatening habitat, recreation and the region's quality of life.
The Nature Conservancy, the Great Works Regional Land Trust, and the York Land Trust are working to protect the area from development. To date, they have protected more than 3,000 acres and acquired nine separate parcels that total nearly 150 acres of wetlands, vernal pools, and rich forests. The partnership hopes to conserve 7,000 acres over the next five years.
To reach Mount Agamenticus, from Route 1 in the Cape Neddick area of York, take the Mount Agamenticus Road west, over the Maine Turnpike, and look for signs to the mountain.
There is a road to the summit where you can park and there are parking areas at the base of the mountain.
Outdoor Activities |
Enjoy the view from the summit of Mount Agamenticus.
The region is among the last undeveloped wilderness sites in southern Maine.
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