Hancock Lumber’s 5,000 acres of privately owned working forest encompass parts of Casco, Naples and Otisfield. Jugtown Forest is open to the public for responsible recreation including horseback riding, ATVing, snowmobiling, hunting, and some of the best hiking in Maine! Please enjoy our miles of marked trails in accordance with our rules and regulations. We are happy to open our working forest to you and we encourage you to enjoy it safely.
In 1848, Hancock Land Company began their legacy by purchasing a 400-acre timber stand in Casco, Maine. Throughout this forest, trees were harvested and hauled to the Crooked River. You can find remnants of the original mill’s granite pillars tucked away off the Decker Mill Hiking Trail.
When manufacturing became an integral part of the business, steam engine portable mills powered were established, which traveled to harvest sites to collect trees. To this day, Hancock Land and Lumber companies remain the largest harvester and seller of timber in southern and southwestern Maine. It takes 80 -100 years to grow an Eastern White Pine Tree to maturity, so despite the company’s 165+ history, Hancock Lumber has only been through two harvest cycles in its lifetime. Hancock Lumber relies on natural regeneration to perpetuate growth and success of its Eastern White Pine tree forests.
Jugtown Forest Rules. Please enjoy Jugtown Forest in accordance with the following rules:
- All recreational motor vehicles are restricted to trail areas. ATV & Motorcycle traffic is permitted May 15 – December 15, Thursday – Sunday with the exception of 7 days/week access from October 15 – November 30, as well as these holidays: Memorial Day, 4th of July and, Labor Day. All others are prohibited. Prudent speed will be observed at all times. Gates will be open to street vehicles during the firearm deer hunting season, conditions permitting. Limited parking is available at trail heads. Vehicles are only allowed on marked trails, please stay off logging trails where we are establishing our next generation of forest.
- No motorized traffic permitted during established quiet time for walkers, May 15 – December 15, Monday – Wednesday. Note: Walkers are welcome anytime, during and beyond quiet hours.
- This is a working forest. Areas will be closed during logging operations. Please respect trail closures. Logging equipment always has the right-of-way.
- Animal trapping is forbidden.
- Motor vehicle traffic not permitted.
- All of Jugtown Forest is a drug and alcohol-free zone. Smoking is not permitted. Pets are welcome under the owner’s restraint.
- Please pack out all refuse and litter. Helping to pick up litter along the trail and roadsides is encouraged and greatly appreciated. Dumping of any sort will not be tolerated and violators will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
- No firewood collecting is permitted in the Jugtown Forest. No fires shall be kindled for any reason. Overnight camping is prohibited.
- No objects are allowed to be permanently installed in trees. All portable tree stands require written permission in advance of use. Any cutting of vegetation is prohibited.
- All State of Maine laws apply when accessing the Jugtown Forest private land.
- Enjoy the wonders of nature here AT YOUR OWN RISK. Be courteous and respect the rights of others to enjoy the trails as well.