The Patten Stream Preserve Hike in Surry, Maine is an easy 1.5-mile loop that features a peaceful woodland setting and scenic views of Patten Stream.
Trail names: South Loop Trail, SpurTrail, North LoopTrail
Location: Meadow Lane/Warren Lane, Surry Maine, Patten Stream Preserve
Permitted uses: Hiking, Hunting allowed with Permission, Letterbox, Geocaching, Birding and nature study
Prohibited uses: No fires are permitted.Only foot traffic is allowed.
Hours: No hours are posted
Fees and Parking: There is no fee to park or use the trails.
Pets: Dogs on leashes are allowed on the trails
Accessibility: This trail system is not wheelchair accessible and presents typical forest trip hazards.
Hiker amenities: There is an information kiosk with a posted map. There are no restrooms or trash bins. Please carry out all the trash you create.
Length and Trail information: The Patten Stream Preserve is part of a 41 acre conservation area managed by the Blue Hill Heritage Trust. The trails are approximately 1.5 miles when combined and are an easy to moderate hike done as a loop. The trails are marked by blue blazes and there are wooden signs posted at trail junctions. There is parking close to the trailhead with room for several cars. Warren Lane is a dead end road, so even if the parking area were full, there is plenty of parking available beside the road. The kiosk at the trailhead has a posted map. There are no maps to take with you, but there is a QR code that can be scanned to give visitors a map on their phones.The trails are close to an active sand pit, and at the beginning of the hike it is possible to hear the noise from the big trucks that go in and out. As you progress along the trail, the sounds of the stream and the dense forest and bird song drown out all traffic noises so that hikers feel truly immersed and enveloped by nature. There are lots of roots, rocks and forest trip hazards with some muddy sections due to springtime rains. Over the wetter sections of trail, well constructed and well maintained wooden bridges have been installed. There are multiple opportunities to stop along the hike and admire the stream that was full and swiftly flowing during our visit. This hike was a bit of a birder paradise. During our hike we were treated to the sounds of several birds that call this preserve home including Red-eyed Vireo, Ovenbird, Black throated Blue Warbler, Black and white Warbler, Blackburnian Warbler and even a Golden-crowned Kinglet. The Blue Hill Heritage Trust describes this hike as family friendly and for those who enjoy finding letterboxes, there is one at this site and is very easy to find. There is also one geocache on this trail which is a fun activity for all ages. We thoroughly enjoyed our hike and encourage anyone visiting Surry Maine to add this beautiful spot to their itinerary.
