Flowing North Preserve
Description
Named for the short stretch of Royal River that flows north from the Fairgrounds until the river drops south toward the ocean in Auburn, this 18.9-acre wooded property at the end of Sawyer Road in New Gloucester straddles the Royal River. Much of the property is either steep slopes or floodplain. Visitors can cross the river at low water levels on fallen logs, or by wading knee-deep.
One of RRCT’s most placid preserves, Flowing North Preserve has no trails or infrastructure. The preserve has been enjoyed by local anglers and hunters for generations and offers a quiet place to enjoy the upper reaches of the Royal River or to harvest fiddleheads in season.
Sawyer Road (end), New Gloucester
More information
The Chandler Brothers Cemetery Woodlot is one of a network of 22 non-contiguous properties totaling 2,000 acres conserved by Maine Woodland Owners Land Trust.
https://www.mainewoodlandowners.org/land-trust-properties-2/chandlerbrothers
Flowing North Preserve, located at the very end of Sawyer Road in New Gloucester, does not contain trails or infrastructure. Parking is available at the end of Sawyer Road. Please do not park on adjacent Bald Hill Road.
The preserve has been enjoyed by local anglers and hunters for generations and offers a quiet place to enjoy the upper reaches of the Royal River or to harvest fiddleheads in season. Once on the land, access requires walking down a steep slope to explore old roads. This is not a good parcel for a casual stroll due to the absence of trails but off-trail hikers will be rewarded by picturesque river banks, rips, water falls, streams, and floodplains. Visitors can cross the river at low water levels on fallen logs, or by wading knee-deep. This stretch of the river is not suitable for boats.
Permitted: Fishing, foraging, hiking, hunting, tenting and camping (with advance notice), and trapping (with advance notice). Dogs on leash or under voice control, leaving no evidence of their visit.
Required: Wear blaze orange during all hunting seasons. Adherence to postings on private abutting land; existing developed primitive camp sites are located on private property.
Royal River Conservation Trust protects and stewards properties, including Flowing North Preserve, located within the traditional homelands of the Wabanaki. We strive to ensure that our properties are inclusive and accessible and provide opportunities for healing, education, and respite.
Habitat
RRCT’s vision for Flowing North Preserve is to protect intact natural communities along the Royal River shoreline to promote biodiversity, connectivity of wildlife habitat, and climate resilience.
Management Plan
Learn more
Flowing North Preserve
Named for the short stretch of Royal River that flows north from the Fairgrounds until the river drops south toward the ocean in Auburn, this 18.9-acre wooded property at the end of Sawyer Road in New Gloucester straddles the Royal River. Much of the property is either steep slopes or floodplain. Visitors can cross the river at low water levels on fallen logs, or by wading knee-deep.
One of RRCT’s most placid preserves, Flowing North Preserve has no trails or infrastructure. The preserve has been enjoyed by local anglers and hunters for generations and offers a quiet place to enjoy the upper reaches of the Royal River or to harvest fiddleheads in season.