Lafcadio’s Woods Preserve

Visiting the Preserve

This preserve features a 1.3-mile loop that traverses across upland forest, steep rocky outcroppings, and wetland. Lafcadio’s Woods is across the street from Fuller Forest which hosts more than 4 miles of trails through forested wetlands. Plan a hike with family and friends in any season. The preserve is open from dawn to dusk.

Natural History

Lafcadio’s Woods is a 35-acre forested parcel that features a 1.3-mile figure-eight loop trail that spans diverse topography, ranging from shrubby wetlands to the south to steep rocky outcroppings to the north. The overstory is predominantly an oak-pine forest and the upland understory is dotted with hair-cap moss covered stones, lowbush blueberry, asters, and starflowers. Wetlands and stream areas are dense with bracken fern, sensitive fern, young alders, and highbush blueberry. Historical features of the property include a discontinued road and stone walls. A variety of common woodland animals can be found here including deer, chipmunks, songbirds, native bees, wood frogs, spring peepers, newts, and grey treefrogs.  This preserve abuts additional conservation lands that together create a 1,300-acre contiguous block of undeveloped land. This type of vast unfragmented habitat, where wildlife can freely roam, is critical to the survival and longevity of many species.

Cultural History

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

This preserve features a 1.3-mile loop. Extend your hike and explore the trail at Fuller Forest or venture out even further by following the Red Oak Trail to Kittery Land Trust’s Norton Preserve (see trail map for details).

Parking: Ample parking for Lafcadio’s Woods is available across the street at our Fuller Forest Preserve.

Allowable Uses

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

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