ON THE TRAIL
Activities
The 47-mile Hills to Sea Trail was designed to be a walking trail and the layout sought to take advantage of interesting features along its winding route.
Towering mature trees, glacial erratics, forested wetlands, expansive fields and quiet magical streams are a few of the highlights. The trail is wide and level in some places, narrow and uneven in others. Some people ski sections of the trail but this requires experience and skill. The trail is best suited for hiking and snowshoeing.
There are two stream crossings in Unity on Sandy Stream and Fly Brook that require wading or rock hopping. Most of the time both locations are shallow and easy to cross but during high water may not be passable. Sandy Stream has an alternate route if needed but not Fly Brook.
Near the coast the Hills to Sea Trailhead is across the street from the Belfast Rail Trail making it possible to hop onto this multi-use trail and walk another 3.2-miles to downtown Belfast.
Running the Trail
Some individuals do run the trail and it is essential that the timing of any plan to do this be synchronized with the times that the entire trail is open. Currently Hogback Mountain, about in the middle, is closed. We strongly discourage groups of larger than two or three people from running the trail. Feedback we have received from runners indicates that it is not a “runners” trail due to its winding and narrow layout. At night it can be extremely difficult to follow the trail even when walking.
Exploring Nature
Slow down and experience our place in nature. Along the trail, you can observe wildlife, forests and meadows, birds, streams, historic landscapes and geologic features. You may wish to reflect and observe quietly, or perhaps note the interactions and life that make up the ecosystems along the trail. You can use our guides to take a nature walk along selected sections of the trail, to identify plants and animals. We invite you to share your experience with us.
