Alder Stream Wilderness Preserve (Atkinson)

I hiked five miles in the Alder Stream Wilderness Preserve this afternoon. The Preserve, which I briefly visited in the past, is managed by the Northeast Wilderness Trust and unlike other preserves does not have a maintained trail system. The 7,200 acre preserve does have miles of old logging roads, which are in the process of "rewilding" or being reclaimed by nature.   The roads are overgrown, so tick precautions are a must.

This was a great hike providing a remote feel despite being only 40 minutes from Bangor.  There was a brief section in the first mile where the adjoining wetland flowed onto the trail due to recent rains but waterproof boots made it passable.