Lilly Pond Trail Assessment

Lilly Pond Focus Area Trail System - KELT properties & other land.

KELT has been focused on land conservation in the Lilly Pond and South Bath Forest area for over a decade, which has resulted in the conservation of ~500 acres within a 1500+ acres undeveloped block of forest. The area, a stone's throw from downtown Bath, has been well-loved by hikers, bikers, and ATV’ers, with a total of 50 miles of multi-use recreational trail. Much of this trail system has been laid out by a democracy of feet (and wheels), formed over time by different trail users who sought a pretty view or good riding terrain. With more land coming under conservation by KELT, and the newly funded Maine Trail Bond offering grant funding for trail improvements, KELT began to look to the future of what this trail system could be.

Seeing the opportunity at hand - KELT, the Six River Chapter of the New England Mountain Biking Association (6RNEMBA), and the Outdoor Sports Institute (OSI) partnered to create a Master Plan for the area. This document sets out a long-term plan for creating a more cohesive, resilient, and enjoyable trail network for all users. The year-long process involved inventorying existing trails and ecological resources, meeting with local stakeholders, and holding public meetings to understand the wants and needs of trail users and how to apply them to the on-the-ground conditions of the area. As we finish up the plan this spring - we have a concrete vision, improvements to implement, and a greater appreciation for the collaborative nature of trails.

  • Priority 1 – Increase Access, Rehabilitate, & Enhance Existing Trails

    • Phase 1 - Improve access from High Street trailhead

    • Phase 2 - Create more purposeful stacked loops

  • Priority 2 – Activate & Expand Trail Network

    • Phase 3 - Activate West Bath

    • Phase 4 - Expand trail offerings

  • Priority 3 - Stewardship & Maintenance Growth

    • Phase 5 - Maps, wayfinding, and signage

    • Phase 6 – Partnership

OSI Trail Assessment.

 
 

Example of ATV double track.

Example of shared-use front-country.

Dillon Mulhern