TOP 10 Nature sanctuary hiking in Freeport, Maine

Mast Landing Audubon Sanctuary is a beautiful park and tourist attraction located at 65 Upper Mast Landing Road in Freeport, Maine, United States. The sanctuary is part of Maine Audubon and is free and open to the public year-round from dawn to dusk. Dogs, even while leashed, are not allowed in the sanctuary to protect the wildlife. The sanctuary features over three miles of trails that wind through a variety of habitats including streams, tidal marshes, orchards, fields, and forests, making it ideal for hiking and cross-country skiing. Visitors can explore the Ridge Trail, Orchard and Deer Run Trails, Mill Stream Trail, and Estuary Trail to observe a wide range of wildlife such as shorebirds, songbirds, and resident mammals. The sanctuary is a conserved land that serves as a wildlife refuge, and visitors are encouraged to follow the rules and regulations to protect the natural environment. The name "Mast Landing" dates back to the early 1700s when the area was used to harvest ship masts from white pines. The sanctuary's history includes a saw mill, textile mill, grist mills, and woodworking shop, with remnants of these structures still visible. Maine Audubon founded Mast Landing Audubon Sanctuary in 1967 on land donated by the L.M.C. Smith family, who played a key role in conserving Freeport's shore land. Maine Audubon's mission is to conserve Maine's wildlife and habitat through education, conservation, and action.