Owned by the Town of Cumberland and permanently protected by a Chebeague & Cumberland Land Trust conservation easement, Greely Woods is mostly forested with a stream meandering through it. This 40-acre parcel of woods is tucked among several neighborhoods in Cumberland with three different trailheads. Romy and I explored the 1.3 mile lollipop loop, starting at the Greely Road Extension trailhead. Here you will find a few dirt parking spaces along the shoulder of the road. For a map and details on the other entrances, visit CCLT's website here: https://www.ccltmaine.org/greely-woods
Greely Woods is a nature preserve, protecting wildlife and offering a place for the public to hike, bike, cross-country ski and snowshoe. Dogs are allowed on leash. Hunting is also allowed, so if you are visiting during Oct 22 through December 11, be sure to wear your orange! The trail surface is uneven with plenty of roots and wet areas. It is also quite narrow in places.
Paper trail maps can be found at the Greely Road Extension trailhead kiosk, which will help to guide your lollipop loop. You can also find this loop on All Trails here: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/maine/greely-woods
Follow the blue trail until you've reached the green trail (at the first intersection, look for the green blaze slightly ahead to the left). Take the green trail, following the loop counter-clockwise, until you've reached the pond at the outer point of the loop. This pond, along with some other sections of Greely Woods are privately owned, so please be aware of signs. To return to the trailhead, find the blue trail and follow it all the way back.
We will certainly be returning to this short and sweet loop, maybe with snow shoes and hot chocolate in the colder months...something to look forward to.
