Under An Hour From Portland Is Maine's Preserved Haven For Fishing, Bird Watching, And Hiking

Most trips to Southern Maine focus almost exclusively on its coastline. It's not surprising given its gorgeous beaches, historic towns, and freshly caught seafood. But there's more to this part of the Pine Tree State that's wedged in between New Hampshire and the Atlantic Ocean. Steep Falls Wildlife Management Area, an outdoor lover's paradise, is certainly one of its overlooked spots.

Steep Falls Wildlife Management Area is one of 71 wildlife management areas (WMAs) spread across this New England state. The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife preserves these habitats while making improvements to aid both the ecosystem and its visitors. This particular area, which is full of forests, wooded swamps, and wetlands, was purchased first as private land in the 1930s. To protect it and its white-tailed deer from further development, the state then bought it in 1977. Steep Falls Wildlife Management Area now covers nearly 5,000 acres, while an additional 25 bordering acres, a former lumberyard, have been safeguarded as the Steep Falls Village Preserve by the nonprofit Presumpscot Regional Land Trust.

This large WMA straddles the border of two towns, Baldwin and Standish, a vibrant lakeside town just outside of Portland. It also sits near the southwest shore of Sebago Lake, which is New England's deepest lake. No wonder it's such a popular spot for waterbirds. A variety of ducks, including hooded mergansers and wood ducks, use Steep Falls as a migration stop. Birdwatchers have recently spotted American crows and black-capped chickadees here, too.

Birdwatchers aren't the only outdoor enthusiasts who will enjoy the Steep Falls area. Hikers now follow the old logging roads. One of them leads up to Adams Pond and a campground that are just outside the WMA's boundary. Another trail that hugs the border of the WMA is the Steep Falls Preserve Village Trail. You'll follow green and red markers around the preserve, through an evergreen forest, and out to a scenic viewpoint along Tucker Brook within the WMA's boundary on this 1-mile loop trail. Keep an eye out for the Fairy & Gnome Village in the natural playscape for kids.

Then, if you want to go fishing, you can choose between a brook and a pond. Your first option, Tucker Brook, is easy to reach from the Steep Falls Preserve Village Trail. It's a well-known spot for brook and brown trout, as well as smallmouth bass. Or, on the opposite side of Steep Falls Wildlife Management Area, you'll find Rich Millpond. This 106-acre pond is a popular spot to cast for black crappie, chain pickerel, and largemouth bass. Just be sure you have a Maine fishing license.

Steep Falls Wildlife Management Area is easily accessible from Portland, a lively hub of waterfront fun, renowned seafood, old walkable streets, and quirky shops. You can fly nonstop to the Portland International Jetport (PWM) from cities all around the country. From there, the drive is only 22 miles.