There’s no shortage of natural areas in Maine to enjoy on a beautiful (or cloudy!) day. Whenever we’re in the mood to get outside we’ve got a seemingly endless list of spots we can’t wait to check out or visit again. There’s no bad place to visit, but we’re always on the lookout for spots we missed and that includes this bird sanctuary. Initially, we thought being a bird-watcher was a must, but turns out this is just a downright pretty place to explore. And if you love learning about the state’s native birds you’ll love it even more!
Thorncrag Bird Sanctuary in Lewiston offers 450 acres of protected area for wildlife, such as birds, to thrive. The size means it endlessly fun to visit, but it also makes it the largest sanctuary of its type in all of New England.
stantonbirdclub.org
Originally owned by the Thorne family, the land dates back to the 1800s. Today it’s overseen by the Stanton Bird Group, who makes sure this area is beautifully cared for and ready for visitors like you and I to enjoy.
amanda kesseli / alltrails.com
The preserve offers a space for groups to meet and learn through events and workshops. Those who have used it in the past include the University of Maine wildlife biologists, Girl Scout troops and schools.
Domino Vixen / Google
The sanctuary is also a beloved place for locals to visit to enjoy the great outdoors.
Rebecca Hart / alltrails.com
There are more than 4 miles of trails here, which meander through the trees and into open fields.
Kelly Creger / Google
Each landscape offers an opportunity to see another living thing that calls Maine home. Butterflies are beautiful in the spring and summer.
Ken Gross / Maine Trail Finder
Most of the year offers some great bird watching opportunities. The sanctuary encourages this type of use and there’s nothing nice than seeing a busy place like this.
Joe Clark / alltrails.com
In addition to bird watching visitors are encouraged to enjoy a picnic lunch, hike or walk, snowshoe, cross-country ski, sled or skate.
Joshua Minnich / alltrails.com
Thorncrag can be visited year round and it’s often even more beautiful in the winter when the landscape is likely to be covered in a layer of snow. Just be sure to be careful in these conditions as things can get slippery.
Sam Sam / alltrails.com
To explore the trails here, head to the trailhead and check out the map to choose your route.
JJ Hart / Google Dogs are motorized vehicles are not allowed on the trials, so plan on enjoying these trails on foot with friends of the human variety.
Thorncrag Bird Sanctuary every day from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. You can learn more about it by visiting their website. You can also check out the trails on Maine Trail Finder or alltrails.com. You can reach the Stanton Bird Club on 888-363-0007.
stantonbirdclub.org
amanda kesseli / alltrails.com
Domino Vixen / Google
Rebecca Hart / alltrails.com
Kelly Creger / Google
Ken Gross / Maine Trail Finder
Joe Clark / alltrails.com
Joshua Minnich / alltrails.com
Sam Sam / alltrails.com
JJ Hart / Google
Dogs are motorized vehicles are not allowed on the trials, so plan on enjoying these trails on foot with friends of the human variety.
The only downside to there being so many beautiful places to explore here is that there never seems to be enough time. One thing we always try to make time for is a hike to refreshing water. Especially when the hike is less than a mile to a spectacular waterfall swimming hole in Maine!
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Address: Thorncrag Bird Sanctuary, Lewiston, ME 04240, USA
