"A fun hike. It was not buggy or muddy, though it was muggy. The blowdowns we encountered last time were all cleared. Some good views of the Kennebec River. We suggest parking on the shoulder on the west side of the road; the shoulder drops off into a ditch on the other side." — Badgerinmaine • Sep 6, 2025

"A beautiful afternoon for a hike at the Annie Sturgis Sanctuary in Vassalboro, which included a summit of Mount Tom (Peak 215 Feet here). It is owned (besides the Easement Trail that leads to the preserve) by the New England Wildflower Society. Their trail markers are plentiful and helpful. The trails are in good shape, except for an astonishing number of tree blowdowns that need clearing. Most were not a large problem, but some were quite dense and hard to navigate around. There may have been 15 to 20 of them, probably a record for me. The summit has a stone chimney that is the only remnant of a cabin built at the site in 1935. The path to it is lined with huge white pines. (The property has many enormous trees, especially white pines and oaks). Older reviews note a view of the Kennebec River from there, but tree growth made no such views available. However, older reviews also said the entrance was not well marked. An informative sign now appears at the start of the trails off Cushnoc Road. The preserve is also famous as one of the very few places in Maine where wild ginger can be found. The Ginger Loop is the best place to find it. I hope they clear the blowdowns soon, but i..." — Badgerinmaine • Sep 28, 2024