Fern Hollow Preserve
Description
The 34-acre Fern Hollow Preserve on Cluff Road in North Yarmouth is managed for wildlife and provides quiet, largely trail-free access for hiking, foraging, and hunting. The preserve abuts the state-owned St. Lawrence & Atlantic Railroad, the proposed route of the Casco Bay Trail.
A short 0.25-mile trail begins at 47 Cluff Rd, guiding visitors through shady conifers before running along the edge of a shallow fern-laden valley. The trail gently descends to a tributary of Chandler Brook, where a historic culvert passes beneath the railroad tracks. Beyond the marked path, visitors are welcome to explore off-trail, while respecting property boundaries and neighboring residences.
1/4 mile
More information
The preserve abuts the state-owned St. Lawrence & Atlantic Railroad, the proposed route of the Casco Bay Trail.
At the end of pavement at 47 Cluff Road, North Yarmouth, look for the preserve sign to the right. (Further beyond the pavement the road becomes a private residential driveway.) Please park on the shoulder of Cluff Road in front of the split-rail fence.
A short 0.25-mile trail begins the end of Cluff Rd, guiding visitors through shady conifers before running along the edge of a shallow fern-laden valley. The trail gently descends to a tributary of Chandler Brook, where a historic culvert passes beneath the railroad tracks. Beyond the marked path, visitors are welcome to explore off-trail, while respecting property boundaries and neighboring residences.
The initial acreage of the preserve was acquired by RRCT in 2005, as an open space requirement of the Packard Farm subdivision. RRCT expanded acreage in 2021, acquiring land from Donny Cluff, known today as the Arthur Cluff Parcel.
- Dogs are welcome on leash or under voice control (on leash near parking, residences, and paved roads)
- Please adhere to ‘leave no trace’ and ‘carry-in/carry-out’ practices.
- Safe and responsible hunting is permitted with notice to RRCT. Please review RRCT's Hunting & Trapping Rules and annually register to hunt on RRCT property here. Preserve users should wear blaze orange during hunting seasons.
- Motorized vehicles are prohibited.
- Do not park on the nearby Packard Farm Road.
- No trespassing on the railroad tracks or walking through the deteriorating historic culvert.
- No camping, overnight parking, fires, or smoking.
Please reach out to RRCT with any observations or questions.
Royal River Conservation Trust protects and stewards properties, including Fern Hollow 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.
The un-named tributary running through the preserve joins Chandler Brook (the Middle Branch of the Royal River) nearby. The preserve includes many remnants of the historic Packard Farm including granite fencing, and old truck, and railroad features.
Fern Hollow Preserve
The 34-acre Fern Hollow Preserve on Cluff Road in North Yarmouth is managed for wildlife and provides quiet, largely trail-free access for hiking, foraging, and hunting. The preserve abuts the state-owned St. Lawrence & Atlantic Railroad, the proposed route of the Casco Bay Trail.
A short 0.25-mile trail begins at 47 Cluff Rd, guiding visitors through shady conifers before running along the edge of a shallow fern-laden valley. The trail gently descends to a tributary of Chandler Brook, where a historic culvert passes beneath the railroad tracks. Beyond the marked path, visitors are welcome to explore off-trail, while respecting property boundaries and neighboring residences.
