Ownership

Cape Elizabeth Land Trust (CELT)

Location

Off of Shore Road, bounded by or near Olde Colony Road, Dyer Pond Road, Rock Crest Drive, Beach Bluff Terrace, Cranbrook Avenue, and Canter Lane. Get directions to Robinson Woods here.

Access

Parking is available in a dirt lot off of Shore Road at the trail kiosk. Please do not park between the two stone pillars. The preserve can also be accessed via connector trails from nearby neighborhoods and the Stonegate area.

Description/History

Rising above the coast of Cape Elizabeth, Robinson Woods Preserve contains 197 acres of contiguous woodlands, fields and ponds, and offers over three miles of exceptional walking trails among centuries-old trees.

Due to its rocky, uneven terrain, much of the original Robinson Woods I parcel was not suitable for farming and remained in its natural forested state for hundreds of years. Walkers will marvel at the massive white pine, red oak, and hemlock trees in Robinson Woods—some as many as 300 years old. Perennial streams and vernal pools meander through the forest floor where abundant wildflower and fern groves flourish. Across from the Shore Road Trail Head, visitors can access the 2-acre Pond Cove section of Robinson Woods. This area of shoreline provides exceptional ocean views from its stone beach, and is historically important as the site of some of the first settlements in Cape Elizabeth. Pond Cove is also ecologically special because of its freshwater outlet, attracting numerous waterfowl. During low tide, explore the rocky coastline and the marine inhabitants.

The adjoining 63.6-acre Robinson Woods II parcel, purchased in 2012, offers a more open experience, in contrast to its neighbor’s deep woods. The 12 acres of fields, 5 acres of ponds, and over 20 acres of significant wetland habitat for wading birds and inland waterfowl provide pleasant walking and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.

CELT acquired the 51.9-acre Robinson Woods III parcel in 2019, extending the field habitats of Robinson Woods II and conserving cathedral-like stands of stately white pines. See this Self-Guided Walk 2021 Guide for ecological information and trail statuses in 2021.

Collectively, these parcels provide more than 3 miles of well-maintained trails available year-round for public use, as well as a vital connection along the Cross Town Trail, linking Fort Williams to Kettle Cove.

Rules

Please cherish and help care for this natural preserve. Limit trail use to daytime hours only. Carry out all waste and stay on marked trails.

Please, no:

  • foraging
  • commercial use of property
  • motorized vehicles
  • fires and camping
  • hunting
  • alcoholic beverages and illegal substances

*Notice for Dog Owners

For Dog Owners: Please keep dogs within sight at all times and remove all dog waste. Please keep dogs out of sensitive habitat areas. Reminder: Maine Law requires dog license and rabies tag on collar at all times.

Dogs are allowed on-leash only in the following areas:

  • Canter Way Easement, per requirements of the private landowner
  • Wildflower Trail, due to habitat sensitivity
  • Fields, due to habitat sensitivity
  • Within 10’ of public roads or parking areas, similar to Town rules on other properties

In other areas, dogs are allowed:

  • On-leash between 9 am and 5 pm*
  • In sight and on voice or leash control before 9 am and after 5 pm*

*3 pm October – May.

“On-leash” and “on voice or leash control” are as defined in the Town Dog ordinance.

Per our legal easements held by Maine Coast Heritage Trust and the Town of Cape Elizabeth, Robinson Woods may not be used to conduct business-related dog walks or any other business activity.

Additional public access guidelines are available here: Robinson Woods Public Access Plan (Revised January 2021)

Date Protected

2000, 2012, 2019

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