Maine is lucky to have an abundance of parks, trails, rivers, lakes, forests, and mountains all throughout the state. On and off campus there are miles of nature trails, forested areas, and gardens within walking distance from the dorms. There are also a few locations directly on the bus route. By car, there are many places less than a 30-minute drive away.
On campus trails in the DeMeritt Forest include the Dorion Loop, Cornfield Loop, Old Town Loop, Pinkham Trails, and Otto Farm Loop, which connect to the Piney Knoll Conservation Area trails.
The Stillwater River Trail, ‘McPhetres, Manter, and Davis Forest’, and Cascade Park are directly on the bus route.
There are lots of trails in Old Town, Orono, Veazie, Bangor and beyond.
Gould’s Landing, Field’s Pond, and Hermon Pond are close and offer swimming and paddling.
Close to campus Gilman Falls is a nice waterfall to view, and Monroe Falls and Mariaville Falls are wonderful waterfalls with hiking and swimming access.
Plenty of local gardens exist including the on campus Littlefield Garden, Botanical Garden, Rose Garden. There are also open garden opportunities on College Ave. at the Terrell House and Wilson Center.
The ARC GIS map Outdoor Fun in the Orono Area lists all of these local nature locations, from trails in the forest and by the river, lakes, waterfalls, and gardens.
