Best Trails to Visit with your Family

The following trails all feature nature scavenger hunts and make-your-own fairy/gnome villages:

• The Mill Brook Preserve southern loop (2 miles in length) in Westbrook winds along both sides of scenic Mill Brook. There are benches to rest on while kids play in the woods. There is easy parking at the trailhead on Perry Court.
  

• Pride Preserve, also in Westbrook, includes several loops on mostly easy trail, so you can do a walk of any length. Walk the Cascade Spur Trail to find the professional fairy houses made by a local artist. The trailhead is off of Duck Pond Road.
  

• Hawkes Preserve in Gorham has easy trail along the Presumpscot River, and the remainder of the loop is through scenic forest. There is a seasonal Story Walk on the river portion of the trail.
  

• Black Brook Preserve in Windham includes a network of trails that pass through forest, fields, and wetlands.
  

• Steep Falls Village Preserve in Standish features several short loops and a spur trail to a scenic wetland overlook. There is also a natural sandbox here that is a great place for creative play.