These properties sit on the Essex-Westbrook town line. Fern Ledge had lain idle for many years when it was purchased in 2005 from the estate of August Neidlinger and Catherine Doane. The adjacent 4-acre plot that is Farm Hill Estate was deeded to the Essex Land Trust when a housing development was established along Carol Drive.
The yellow trail starting at Middlesex Occupational Medicine quickly crosses one of the small streams feeding Birch Millpond. This is vital habitat for turtles, salamanders and frogs along with ferns, jack-in-the-pulpit and skunk cabbage. Rare plants include dwarf ginseng, may apple and wild leek. Beaver inhabit the pond and can be seen at morning or evening dusk.
After crossing the stream, the trail begins its ascent to the top of Mares Hill. For a less strenuous hike on can walk in via the green trail at the terminus of Carol Drive. Then loop back on a short section of the yellow trail. A little more strenuous would be to take the green to yellow to white trail loop. For those wanting a cardio workout hiking the yellow trail out and back is a challenge.
-Parking for the trail is at the lower trailhead. Which is to the far left and rear of the Middlesex Hospital Occupational Medicine facility parking lot, on Route 153 near the Essex/Westbrook town line.
-Although, it is possible to enter the upper part of the preserve (Farm Hill) via the dead end of Carol Drive off of Dobbins Lane from Mares Hill Road, parking is lacking.
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