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Poetry on the Trail

The idea started with an anonymous poem, tucked inside the Little Free Library outside the Lodge steps.

That one small offering inspired us to invite others to put their own nature experiences into words. For the last two seasons, we’ve asked visitors to the Lodge to share their moments in nature by writing a haiku and leaving it behind for others to read. What began with a single step has grown into a shared path with space for many different ways of noticing.

This winter and spring, we’ll transform our usual StoryWalk® route into a trail of community poetry, each poem an opportunity to connect with each other along the walk to the summit!

Have a nature poem to share? Original poems may be submitted digitally to ndensmore@yorkmaine.org for consideration. Please include your name, age, and town of residence with your submission. Anonymous submissions are also welcome. Poems should be no longer than two pages.

For winter posting: Submissions must be received by December 20.
For spring posting: Submissions must be received by March 19.

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Reach for the Stars – October 16

Friday, October 16, 7 – 8 PM
Mount Agamenticus Summit
Free – Registration required

Reach for the stars! Bring the whole family up the summit of Mount A for an evening under the night sky to explore constellations and celestial bodies up close with staged telescopes.

With the aid of the Astronomical Society of Northern New England, learn how to navigate a telescope and marvel in our vast universe. We’ll meet upstairs in the Learning Lodge before heading outside. Bring a reusable mug for hot beverages if you wish. Suggested ages: 7 and up.

Thanks to York Public Library! Registration and more information about this event is available on the library’s website.

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Volunteer Community Work Day: Shrubland Management – Oct. 17

Saturday, October 17, 9 AM – 12 PM
Mount Agamenticus Summit
Registration required – e-mail Ben to register

The Mount Agamenticus region consists of more than 10,000 acres of forest, wetlands, ponds and streams. It takes a lot of work to care for this land and we are counting on support from volunteers to help protect this great place. The best way to get involved and make a difference is through the Community Work Days program. There’s lots of work to be done to protect the beauty and the environment of Mount Agamenticus. Come and have some fun and join us for the 2026 field season!

The focus of the day will be to maintain management of the 15-acre shrubland habitat atop Mount A. Early successional forest in New England is decreasing and certain species, such as the Snowshoe Hare and American Woodcock, need this habitat to thrive. Specific sections of the summit are cut on a five-year rotation. Volunteer work will involve hauling brush to various locations, and stacking for wood chipping. Chips will be saved for future use as mulch in Mount A’s plant beds.

Please bring your daypack, hiking/work boots, water bottle, insect repellent and work gloves (we have spare gloves if you don’t have any). Tools and equipment will be provided. Light snacks and refreshments follow the event.

Youth volunteers are welcome to attend all Community Work Days, but must be accompanied by parent or guardian for the duration of the event.

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Checkerberry Trail to Mt. A Hike – Nov. 1

Sunday, November 1, 9 AM – 3 PM
Free – email Naomi to register

Join Mount A and Great Works Regional Land Trust staff for a hike from Orris Falls Conservation Area to the summit of Mount A!

We’ll connect to the Mount Agamenticus trail system via the Checkerberry Trail on Emery’s Bridge Road. Spend the day exploring the varied trails of Mount Agamenticus. We’ll journey down old logging roads, ski trails, and alongside stone walls, foundations and rock piles. Moderate to difficult hike.

A ‘one-way’ or ’round-trip’ hike is available. The one-way hike includes a shuttle to the trail head. The ‘one-way’ hike is approximately 4 miles. For the ’round-trip’ hike, parking is available at the Orris Falls, Emery’s Bridge Road parking area. The ’round-trip’ hike is approximately 9 miles.

This hike is free, space is limited, and registration is required. When registering, please let us know if you’re planning to hike the one-way or round-trip.

Please e-mail ndensmore@yorkmaine.org to reserve your spot!

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Supermoon Hike – Nov. 23

Monday, November 23, 6 – 8 PM
Rain date: Tuesday, November 24
Mount Agamenticus Base (Ring Trailhead)
$10 per person – Registration required.

Join us for a nighttime hike to the summit of First Hill under the light of November’s supermoon.

We will meet at the Base parking lot and hike west along Ring Trail to arrive at the Summit via Witch Hazel Trail. After enjoying tea or hot cocoa at the summit, we’ll return via Fisher and retrace our steps along Ring Trail to return the parking area. If trail condition hinders the return hike, we will walk the summit road.

Headlamps required; we have some spares. There is no minimum age requirement, but prior hiking experience is highly recommended. Moderate difficulty. Terrain varies from gentle slopes on dirt trails to rocky sections with short climbs or descents. Full distance is just over 2 miles.

$10 per person directly supports the Mount Agamenticus Conservation Program! Limited spots and registration is required. Please reach out to Naomi if this program is of interest but cost is prohibitive.