McIntire Highlands Preserve

***Special Notice***

McIntire Highlands Preserve will reopen to the public on October 1st, 2024, with the exception of the Tall Tree Trail. The Tall Tree Trail was heavily impacted by high winds this winter, and a reroute and recovery of parts of the trail are still in progress.

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Visiting the Preserve

Plan a day of nature study and look for signs of wildlife and some of the town’s oldest trees. Create your own history hike, looking for signs of the busy economic center the Horse Hills region that was used for forestry and sheep farming. Or, simply enjoy the beauty of the landscape on foot or by snowshoe. The preserve is open from dawn to dusk.

Natural History

This 458-acre property is vital for maintaining regional water quality and habitat for native wildlife and plants. Part of an unfragmented landscape large enough to support such animals as moose, bobcat, and fisher, the preserve also contains some of the region’s oldest trees.

Cultural Heritage

The preserve includes numerous old woods roads and stonewalls. There are also remnants of a historic homestead and barn, evidence of the area’s importance to York’s agricultural past.

We acknowledge that our preserves sit on Abenaki lands. We extend our sincere gratitude and respect to these original caretakers of this land, and to all other Wabanaki people who have a relationship with this land.

Amenities and Trails

Note: Parking currently unavailable. Please access preserve by foot or bike.

Allowable Uses

Hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, nature study, and hunting are all allowed. Click here to read York Land Trust’s Hunting Policy.

Motorized vehicles and bicycles are prohibited.

Precautions

Be aware of ATVs traversing the area. Use caution when crossing brooks during high water. Use caution and avoid crossing the brook during high water. Take precautions against ticks, and check frequently for them. This is also a popular hunting area. Maine hunting laws apply.

Want To Learn More?

Interested in helping with our efforts to protect unique areas like the McIntire Highlands Preserve? Visit our volunteers’ page here.

Top photo: Jerry Monkman