Pleasant River Community Forest Preserve

The 426-acres Pleasant River Community Forest Preserve and has 8,600 feet of frontage on the Pleasant River in Columbia Falls, Maine. This is a preserve for all seasons with loop trails for hiking, snowshoeing and cross country skiing adventures.

The primitive tent campsite near the river is a great spot to hike into for a picnic and swim, and there is a picnic table, fire ring and outhouse here as well as canoe access.

This preserve has two entrances and parking areas, and each has a preserve sign and information kiosk along with parking for a few vehicles. The hiking trails are well marked and fairly easy to follow, although the Highland Trail has some rough areas and is routinely affected by fallen trees. The preserve entrance off of Cross Road will take you to a short loop trail leading to Otter Falls and also the Highland trail, and the other entrance takes you to start of the River Trail leading to the Pleasant River and campsite. Like the rest or DSF’s preserves, the Pleasant River Community Forest Preserve operates on a “Pack-it-in, Pack-it-out” policy with limited amenities and facilities.

Otter Falls from a distance

Cross Road Access: From US Route 1 in Columbia Falls, turn north on Tibbettstown Road and drive for 2.9 miles and turn left on Cross Road. Proceed on Cross Road for 0.5 miles until you see the DSF preserve sign on the left side at the beginning of Little River Road. Turn left onto Little River Road and drive for approximately 900 feet to the parking area which will be on the left. The road will continue, but we ask visitors to park at this location and continue on foot. This parking area has a kiosk, picnic table and is the trailhead for both the Otter Falls Loop Trail, the Highland Trail, as well as the longer River Trail.

Tibbettstown Road Access: From US Route 1 in Columbia Falls, turn north on Epping Road and drive 2.4 miles. Turn right on Meetinghouse Road and drive 0.5 miles, and then turn right again onto Tibbettstown Road for 0.6 miles. The preserve sign and entrance will be on your right. The parking area is just ahead with room for several vehicles and an information kiosk. This is the trailhead for the River Trail leading to the Highland Trail and to a primitive campsite further along.