Thorncrag Bird Sanctuary Trail is a 2.2 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Lewiston, Maine that features beautiful wild flowers and is good for all skill levels. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round.
Great trails to hike with children with variety of sights (old stone fireplaces, foundations of structures from years ago, berries to pick and eat!, brooks and ponds to skim rocks, and gigantic boulders to climb). This is the largest bird sanctuary in Maine. Can be a great area to snowshoe when the time is right. Beautiful views, variety of animals including deer and fisher cats.
Has large off road parking lot with restroom.
As for getting here, you should look for Highland Spring Rd. Go to the end of that and take a right on Montello then quick left into the parking area.
April 13, 2021This trail is for walkers only. It has some decent elevation, it’s well marked, and highly trafficked. Would be a great trail to take the kids on, unfortunately no dogs allowed. Plenty of parking at the trail head.
April 10, 2021Great trail conditions overall - a few of the side trails, to include parts of the power lines, were a bit wet.
April 8, 2021Amazing trail conditions! Really dried out most of the way other than the two places where the stream crosses over. We stuck to the yellow trail which goes by the stone benches and loops around to the giant stone chimney. We could hear the birds chirping and even an owl hooting at one point!
March 21, 2021Great trail system. Hidden gem in Lewiston.
March 12, 2021Great hidden gem in Lewiston with an a beautiful mountain onlook.
March 9, 2021March 7, 2021Heard a barred owl today. First time here, glad I came, a little oasis in Lewiston. Trails were compacted yet slippery; microspikes or other traction recommended. Muddy parking lot and drive way; already deep rivets from tires.
March 6, 2021February 21, 2021Absolutely stunning day on the trails of Thorncraig today. I captured the most beautiful picture of the biggest woodpecker I’ve ever seen in my life! And I saw views of Mount Washington! The day was filled with bright blue skies, crunchy white snow and fresh green pine. So many birds! Love this quick, easy and local hike:)  since this is a heavily trafficked trail, I wore my clamps and walked slip-free.
February 15, 2021We did not take this trek as the trail doesn’t allow dogs. It makes sense, I suppose - but I hadn’t considered it so I’m sharing this post for others who may make the same mistake!
January 11, 2021January 9, 2021December 26, 2020December 23, 2020December 22, 2020Garbage on trail sticky snow and a little icy. lots of turkey
December 17, 2020November 22, 2020Not a single goddamn bird
October 31, 2020Enjoyable walk. Looking forward to coming back this spring when the leaves are back
October 17, 2020October 11, 2020September 30, 2020September 29, 2020Nice trail walk with 7 and 5 year old grands.
September 19, 2020September 8, 2020August 7, 2020Such a great, peaceful way to start the day
August 4, 2020Nice walk through the woods with some nice memorials.
June 24, 2020This was a nice space to walk through. The kids had fun. The trails are well marked, and maps were available at the trail head.
