Vaughan Woods — Attraction in Hallowell

Oct. 15, 2021 - With some imaginary help from J.R. Tolkien . . . take your kids to Middle Earth’s Hobbit Land , walk the trails with Frodo & Gandalf . . . tasked with carrying “ the RING” to Mordor! You’ll cross stone arched bridges, and climb the castle wall, that holds back the beautiful crystal lake( actually it’s a pond) ! Share tales of Frodo “over coming all obstacles” along his journey to destroy the RING and save the world from the Evil Lord Sauron.

The Vaughan Woods & Historic Homestead contains 197 acres of protected preserve and a 200 year old mansion . Thanks to the generous gift donated to Hallowell & Kennebec Land Trust ( KLT). There is a Trailhead, with map and historical background. Trails are relatively easy, some steep parts, rather wide, with stone arch bridges that cross a stream . You’ll notice a side path that climbs a hill to the remnants of a stone dam ( looks like a castle wall) to Cascade Pond. The trails are about .5 to 1.5 mile hikes., which include the Corniche Trail, Rice Pines Trail, and Brooke Trail! The stream and small water falls are perfect for young kids to explore especially with imaginary tales about Hobbit Frodo & Gandalf the Wizard! I rate this a solid 4.85 . (If you bring your imagination)

Vaughan Family History

Mid 1700’s - Sarah Hallowell married Samuel Vaughan

1783 - Dr. Benjamin Vaughan ( son of Sarah) negotiated Treaty of Paris end Rev. War

1791 - Charles (son of Sarah)built a summer cottage on Vaughan property

1797 - Cottage converted, year round home

1800 - Vaughan family prosperity grows

1815 - 1st Granite quarry opens Manchester

1826 - Selling ice from Cascade Pond

1857 - RR built in Hallowell , growth in textiles, book publishing, shoes, linseed oil

1871 - Simon Page built dam, power mills

1900 - Uncle Sam’s Bridge constructed

1903 - Built & donated Memorial Bridge

1910 - Built Tea House in woods

1911 - Carriage road built, now Corniche Trail

1914 - Electricity added to Vaughan home

1930’s - Beach for Hallowell’s kids added

1991 - Family donated land to Kennebec Land Trust

2002 - Created non-profit Vaughan Homestead Foundation to oversee 197 acre Preserve &...

I now see why everyone calls it "hobbit land". The moss covered stone arches, soft babbling water, multiple waterfalls, beautiful side trails with little stone staircases, bridges, meadows, etc are the makings of a magical place. The trails are not marked at all so make sure u have a map and are keeping track of ur turns. The side "scenic" trails are really small and not obvious. Dogs on leash are welcomed. No picnic tables. Parking is a small turnoff area on the side of a side road with enough parking for around 10 cars,cotherwise ur going to be looking for parking behind one of the buildings on the main road and walking up to...

Great walking trails that are close to the city, but you would never know! I wish they had better parking arrangements, however.

Sometimes the places around the woods, I think it's a school, makes a lot of noise which sometimes really echos and ruins the nature vibes of the woods, but nothing can really be done about that.

The steams that run through the woods are calming and a great place to sit and read. it isn't very crowded whenever I go, and litter is very minimal...