Crooked Farm Preserve - Bristol, ME
Crooked Farm Preserve in Bristol, ME, is a charming dog park offering pet-friendly trails and dog-friendly hiking opportunities perfect for families and their furry friends. This preserve features a scenic hiking loop that is kid-friendly and suitable for teens and adults, making it an ideal spot for a day out with your dog and children. While the entrance is not wheelchair accessible, the trails provide a beautiful natural setting with river views, mossy paths, and a peaceful swimming hole created by a historic dam, where dogs and owners can cool off on warm days.
The park is well-loved for its unique features like the fish ladder and the calm swimming hole, which have been local favorites for generations. Visitors appreciate the easy parking and amenities such as a porta potty, making it convenient for pet owners. Although there is a nearby shooting range that may disrupt the tranquility, the preserve remains a top choice for dog owners seeking a mix of nature, history, and pet-friendly outdoor activities in Bristol. Be sure to prepare for ticks during warmer months and enjoy the abundant wildlife sightings, including bald eagles, that make this dog park in Bristol, ME, a special destination.
FAQ for Crooked Farm Preserve in Bristol Maine:
- Is the park wheelchair accessible? No, the park does not have a wheelchair accessible entrance.
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, there are hiking trails suitable for families and kids, with some steep uphills and scenic views including ponds and rivers.
- Is there a swimming area or pond for dogs? There is a swimming hole created by a dam that forms a calm pool, popular for cooling off on hot days, but no specific mention if dogs are allowed to swim.
- Are restrooms available for owners? Yes, a porta potty is conveniently located on-site.
- Is there a playground or activities for kids nearby? Yes, the park is good for kids with kid-friendly hikes and activities like hiking available.
- Where is the best place to park? There is a small parking area right off the road making it easy to pull over for a stop.
- Are ticks or other pests common in the area? Yes, ticks can be present especially in mid-summer, so appropriate tick protection and clothing is advised.
Reviews
Shooting range nearby requires a lot of trust in your fellow man. It disrupts a nice hike (but not the best in Bristol)
Most of the trail is nice and wide, making for an easy stroll. If you head all the way to the water, be ready for a few tighter spots where you’ll weave through taller plants. The terrain is mostly flat-ish, but once you get closer to the shoreline, things get a bit more interesting with some narrower paths and a few gentle ups and downs on the way back.I’d call it an easy hike overall, but if you have any balance or mobility concerns, bringing a walking stick might be a good idea—or just turn back before the trickier sections. The water views are absolutely worth it though—stunning scenery, super clean trail, and all-around a great time.
Best loop trail! It’s easy enough for a family hike. If you get tired you can take a shortcut midway. Some steep uphills, easy enough for a teen or an adult, maybe not for a toddler. 10/10!
Went August 2023 and loved it! Beautiful. Nice wildlife
Limited parking. Great wandering walk to coastal vistas. History is evident at the old quarry. Someone came here to listen to the radio in their hammock. I just walked and enjoyed the sounds of nature.
Beautiful point off my home peninsula in South Bristol, Maine. Gorgeous Damariscotta River views, the river is quite salty, we are a short distance from open Atlantic Ocean 🌊.
Beautiful trial. Some are steep, but no need for walking sticks for most people. There is a really cool old quarry. And of course beautiful views of the river and long cove.
Beautiful trail and I cannot wait to do it again soon but unfortunately we were covered in ticks. So dress appropriate and wear tick spray. We did see a bald eagle land on a tree branch close to us so that was the highlight of my week.
Great place for a short hike. Long enough to stretch your legs – 2-3 miles. Pond, river views, mossy trails. Edit: trail gets pretty overgrown by midsummer. More enjoyable in spring or fall unless you have solid tick protection. Is a great nearby alternative when the Laverna Preserve parking lot is full