Forbes Pond
Gouldsboro
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Guidelines
What You Need to Know
- No camping permitted
- Fires only permitted in winter, on ice
- Carry out all trash (see details)
- Keep pets under control
- Respect privacy of preserve neighbors
Why we Care
Explore, Paddle, Protect
This preserve is more than a serene landscape to explore; it’s a vital and diverse habitat. With a two-mile network of three interconnected loop trails gently weaving through forest terrain to a picnic spot on the shores of Forbes Pond—you’ll have plenty of chances to spot many avian species.
Whether you’re out for a leisurely paddle (~0.25 mile hand carry to boat launch) or looking to land a largemouth bass, Forbes Pond welcomes paddlers and anglers alike. Note: ATV access to the water is permitted once the ground is frozen.
Features
How to Get There
There are two parking lots available at the preserve in Gouldsboro. The main lot on the western side of the pond (near 361 Pond Road) is 3.2 miles south of the Route 1/195 junction. ATV access is permitted in winter when the ground is frozen, but only on the pond access trail. The eastern side lot is located near 302 W. Bay Road. Note: there is no ATV access on this side of the pond.
Explore the Map
Click on trails and landmarks to learn more about what Forbes Pond has to offer.
Preserve Details
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Field Notes
Getting to Know Forbes Pond
The Path to Conservation
MCHT acquired the first of four parcels that comprise the Forbes Preserve in 2016. Funding for the purchase came from a variety of sources, including the US Fish and Wildlife Service’s North American Wetland Conservation Act (NAWCA) program.
On the Preserve
Forbes Pond Preserve (980 acres) sits just north of Prospect Harbor in the town of Gouldsboro. The centerpiece of the preserve, and its namesake, is 192-acre Forbes Pond.
The property is primarily forested in a mix of maturing conifers and includes nearly two miles of shorefront on the pond. It also features over 150 acres of freshwater wetland, including forested wetlands, vernal pools, a 40-acre emergent shrub wetland near the center of the eastern parcel, and fringing emergent wetlands around much of the shore.
The most noteworthy natural resource on the preserve is Forbes Pond itself. Its waters, including the outlet stream, are mapped as significant inland waterfowl and wading bird habitat. Additionally, the pond features a robust largemouth bass fishery. Other wildlife signs and sightings include beaver activity near the pond outlet, a bald eagle roosting site at the north end of the pond, and white-tailed deer, black bear, and moose.
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More Information on Forbes Pond
Help Us Take Care of the Preserve
This preserve belongs to all of us; that’s why it’s important to leave as little trace as possible when you visit.
To do that, please:
- Carry out all trash
- Carry out all pet waste
- Carry out all human waste (including toilet paper)