Located on Black Point Road next to Ketcha Outdoors, Libby River Preserve features woods and field trails and an observation deck overlooking the Libby River, part of Scarborough Marsh.
Trails: 1.24 miles/3 miles
Land: 90 acres
Open year round, dawn to dusk.
Leave no trace.
The Trails
1.24 miles (Libby River only)
3 miles (Libby River Network)
Access Trail 0.4 mi
Lucy R. Sprague Memorial Trail 0.6 mi
Libby River Trail 0.3 mi
Ketcha Connector 0.3 mi
Ketcha Loop 0.8 mi
Meadows Loop & Connector 0.6 mi
The SLT Access Trail has a natural trail bed with roots and rocks, and a set of stone stairs with a railing. There are some inclines.
The Libby River Trail has a gradual incline and a mix of natural trail beds and mowed grass trail with a short section of bogbridging. This trail can be wet at times.
The Lucy Sprague Loop is a mix of natural trail bed and narrow bog bridging.
The Ketcha trails can be accessed from the Black Point Road trailhead to the southwest or the Meadows trailhead to the northeast. The Ketcha Connector runs through a narrow corridor joining the Ketcha Loop and the LRP Lucy Sprague Trail. The Loop is completed with a short segment in the Meadows. Ketcha trails pass through enriched woodlands and forested wetlands. Following a timber harvest in 2013, parts of the Loop trail area are now regenerating into young forest. Some sections of these narrow forest paths may be muddy during wet seasons.
How to get there
Get directions to the trailhead location.
Activities
- Hiking, wildlife-watching, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing.
- Dogs must be leashed at all times to safeguard Ketcha Outdoors youth education and horseback riding programs.
- No biking. (Bikes are permitted on nearby Ketcha Outdoors trails).
- For the benefit of visitors and wildlife, no drones.
- Bowhunting is allowed with SLT notification, but only on Libby River Preserve, not on Ketcha Outdoors and Piper Shores areas. Visitors are encouraged to wear blaze orange during hunting season. Hunting is not permitted on Sundays in Maine.
- Any collecting, foraging or commercial activity requires a permit from SLT. No exceptions.
Want to join others who help maintain these trails for the community?
The Land
90 Acres
Natural Features
Libby River Preserve boasts open fields, woods, wetlands, and wildlife. It also claims abundant ferns and bird life, with over 80 bird species recorded. Another significant draw to the property are the views of the Libby River and Scarborough Marsh.
History & Current Use
In 1996, SLT purchased 125 acres from the Larrabee family, who had a saltwater farm there for many years. When SLT purchased the property, we deeded 50 acres to the State of Maine to be added to the Scarborough Marsh wildlife management area. The remaining 75 acres became Libby River Preserve. In 1999, the Lucy R. Sprague Memorial Trail was created. Ketcha Outdoors generously provides a parking area and access trail to the Preserve. In 2007, Eagle Scout Bryant Shannon built the observation deck that overlooks the Libby River and surrounding marsh.
SLT has worked with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to create habitat for the state endangered New England cottontail, which they hope will return in the coming years.
SLT purchased this property with support from individuals and foundations.
Partnerships
The Libby River Trail Network is made possible by the collaboration of Ketcha Outdoors, Piper Shores Independent Living Community, and the Scarborough Land Trust. This partnership was formed in 2023 to support access to trails for the public and those whom these organizations serve.
