Talking Brook Public Land

Southern Maine has seen a sharp rise in population, putting the woods and waters in this beloved slice of New England at risk. At Trust for Public Land, we’re committed to ensuring that everyone has access to the outdoors, especially in rapidly growing areas like Southern Maine.

To connect communities with the numerous benefits of nature, we helped combine 155-acres of privately owned land and 43-acres of the Big Falls Preserve into a hiker’s paradise known as Talking Brook—a new state park to meet the growing demands of the region.

Dense hemlock and pine forests, winding brooks, and babbling waterfalls set a picturesque backdrop. While this area already contained a well-loved trail system, its private ownership status made future public access uncertain.

Trust for Public Land teamed up with the Royal River Conservation Trust and the Maine Bureau of Parks and Land to combine these two parcels into one new 198-acre public land space, ensuring public access for future generations.

Maine is known for its beautiful, forested escapes, but residents south of Lewiston-Auburn, Maine’s second largest city, lack close-to-home access to public lands. The creation of Talking Brook Public Land now ensures that outdoor enthusiasts of all ages and backgrounds will be able to enjoy the splendor of nature and connect to its wonderful benefits.