Forbes Pond, Gouldsboro
Wildlife-rich wetland habitats of Forbes Pond form the centerpiece of this 980-acre preserve in Gouldsboro that lures wildlife enthusiasts and anglers throughout the year.
Forbes Pond is good for:
- Hiking – Explore a two-mile network of three interconnected loop trails that gently weave through attractive forest terrain to a picnic spot on the shores of Forbes Pond.
- Fishing – Cast your line in search of largemouth bass and other resident fish that await or set your traps after the ice has set in the winter (note: using ATV’s to access the water once the ground has frozen is permitted).
- Paddling – Tote your kayak or canoe less than a quarter mile to a hand-carry boat launch site for a relaxing paddle around the pond.
- Birdwatching – Bring your binoculars to enjoy close-up of views of avian species attracted to the preserve’s diverse forest and wetland habitats.
How to get there
From the junction of Routes 1 and 195 in West Gouldsboro, follow Route 195 (Pond Road) south 3.2 miles to the parking area on the left.
For a complete map with legend and guidelines, click on the Printable Preserve Map above.
A Coastal Moment from Forbes Pond Preserve, Gouldsboro, Maine
Notes on topography, flora, and fauna
The Forbes Pond Preserve consists of 980 acres of forest and wetland just north of Prospect Harbor in the town of Gouldsboro. The centerpiece of the preserve, and the feature for which it is named, is 192-acre Forbes Pond.
The property is primarily forested in a mix of maturing conifers and includes nearly two miles of shorefront on the pond and over 150 acres of freshwater wetland. These wetlands include forested wetlands throughout the preserve, vernal pools, a 40-acre emergent shrub wetland near the center of the eastern parcel and fringing emergent wetlands around much of the shore.
The most noteworthy natural resource on the preserve is Forbes Pond itself. The Pond and its outlet stream are mapped as significant inland waterfowl and wading bird habitat, and the largemouth bass fishery is robust. Other wildlife sign and sightings include beaver activity near the pond outlet, a bald eagle roosting site at the north end of the pond, and white-tailed deer, black bear, and moose.
How this place became open to the public
In 2016, MCHT acquired the first of four parcels that comprise the Forbes Preserve. Funding came from a variety of sources, including the US Fish and Wildlife Service’s North American Wetland Conservation Act (NAWCA) program.
Preserve information/guidelines
- No camping permitted
- Fires only permitted in winter, near shoreline
- Carry out all trash
- Including human and pet waste and toilet paper
- Keep pets under control
Please respect the privacy of preserve neighbors
