By Paula Roberts
Water flows down a small waterfall on the A.D. Gray Trail in Waldoboro. (Paula Roberts photo) |
The A.D. Gray Trail is located behind the former A.D. Gray School on School Street in Waldoboro. It is less than a tenth of a mile off Old Route 1. School Street is across the road from the Broad Bay Church and before Hall’s Funeral Home as you’re heading up the hill from Friendship Street (Route 220).
The A.D. Gray Trail is about a mile and a half long and travels through a nice mix of woods and open fields. Some of the property is located on private property, so it is important to walk quietly near houses and to stay on the trail.
The beginning of the trail is located between the tennis courts and basketball courts. From the parking lot, walk toward the Born Learning Trail (marked with signs and on the mowed grass under the trees) and down to the near edge of the soccer field.
The trail entrance into the woods is marked by two stakes that are painted orange at the top. The trail is blazed with plastic orange tape and is easy to follow.
The trail tends to be muddy in spots, especially after a heavy rainstorm. Soon after entering the woods, the trail widens and follows an old stone wall. The trail crosses the stone wall and turns sharply left.
It then heads down hill, and crosses a bridge over a small brook. The trail then comes out to a field with a picturesque view of an old barn.
Once in the field, follow the mowed path on the edge of the field for about 150 yards, where the trail re-enters the woods.
Walkers will soon come to a babbling brook with a small waterfall. The trail then turns sharply left then right across a footbridge.
Next, there is a short, steep hill that is muddy and slippery after a rainstorm. The trail then comes to a small field. Stay left along the edge of the field and look for wild strawberries (in late June) on the edge of the trail.
Please stay on the trail as this is private property.
The trail comes out to School Street. Walk across the edge of the soccer field back to the parking area. Plan on 20 to 25 minutes to walk the trail.
