Dunn’s Depot Trail

The Dunn’s Depot Trail in North Yarmouth goes for half a mile down the west bank of the Royal River through mature mixed hardwood flood plain forests. It’s a quiet, primitive alternative to (or extension of) the more popular and well-maintained trails at Old Town House Park, across the road on the other side of Route 9.

The area is best experienced by leaving the trail and walking along the river bank and its oxbows and goosenecks.

To report an issue at this preserve, contact the Royal River Conservation Trust.

More Information

Maps

Map of the Dunn’s Depot Trail – Downloadable PDF

Dunn’s Depot Trail on Maine Trail Finder

Trails, Trailhead and Accessibility

Parking for Dunn’s Depot Trail is available at the town’s Route 9 boat launch; the trail begins on the opposite side of Route 9, leaving the shoulder of Route 9 or leaving from the paved staging area for the Fire Department’s dry hydrant on the edge of the river. Do not park in the dry hydrant area.

The trail is maintained as a snowmobile trail, also open for walking, snowshoes, or other primitive uses. No bikes. The end of the trail includes a bridge with open grids and wobbly rails; due to the openings and wobblies, this bridge is not suitable for dogs or small children. Please respect the close proximity of neighbors and keep dogs on leash or under strict voice control. Accessibility to the trail is limited by the steep drive from the parking area (boat launch) and the need to cross busy Route 9 before entering the woods.

The trail is open to the public due to a conservation easement held by the Royal River Conservation Trust. Owned by the Dunn’s Depot Homeowners’ Association, most trail maintenance is provided by the Royal River Snowmobile Club.

GPS Address: 512 Memorial Highway (512 State Route 9), North Yarmouth, ME

Rules, Regulations and Hunting

  • The trail is managed by the Royal River Conservation Trust.
  • No bikes.
  • Hunting is prohibited by Homeowners’ Association deeds. Regardless, hikers should always wear blaze orange during hunting season, on all hikes.
  • Please respect various postings on private abutting land.
  • Dogs are welcome, but on leash or voice control with strict attention to pet waste removal; bridges on the trail have open grids and are not suitable for many dogs.

RRCT & You: Updates, Alerts, & Cautions

RRCT & You:  RRCT relies heavily on volunteers and help from trail users like you. You may know more recent information about trail and Preserve conditions than we do – please consider filling out a Conditions Report. We invite you to be a thoughtful steward by acting as a respectful visitor, adhering to posted rules, and following Leave No Trace practices. RRCT’s small staff and volunteer Trail Crew is able to inspect and maintain RRCT Preserves infrequently; we ask you to report to us any issues you observe that you cannot address yourself, and especially to update us on any safety or public safety issues. Please help us on your visits with litter, pet waste, and minor trail issues. We also invite any information on needed or suggested updates to this webpage. Reach out in any way, most simply with an email to Stewardship@RRCT.org