Holt
Pond Preserve
The Holt Pond Preserve
was established in 1970 when LEA purchased 30 acres of woodland and
stream next to Holt Pond in Bridgton. Over
the years, through the dedicated efforts of many, the preserve has
grown to include over 400 acres. A trip to Holt Pond is always a wonderful
experience.
Starting at the
parking area off Grist Mill Road, the path takes you through a mixed
forest of birch, beech, hemlock, and pine.
You cross over a stone wall into a red maple swamp. In the spring,
listen for the sounds of returning neo-tropical migrant birds and
in the winter, look for the flitting silhouettes of chickadees shivering
for warmth. Leaving the red maple swamp you find yourself on one
of
the several hummocks in the preserve, a nutrient rich glacial deposit
where hemlocks have taken root. Venturing out to the Muddy River,
a ripple in the water and a loud splash indicates the presence of
a territorial
beaver. 
Returning to the
trail, you eventually make your way to the place where plants eat
insects, moose wallow in the muddy waters,
and minks scurry about looking for fish: the Holt Pond
Overlook. The Holt
Pond Overlook Boardwalk crosses over a quaking mat of sphagnum
moss. If you bend your knees twice, you will see a slight quaking
motion
at the end of the boardwalk. This is because the sphagnum moss
is floating, colonizing the open water in front of you. The quaking
bog is home
to pitcher plants, orchids, leatherleaf, swamp rose, and many other
unique plants, as it is one of the most diverse natural communities
at Holt Pond. Pause at the end of the boardwalk and appreciate
the
beauty of this spot in every season, when migrant ducks swim about,
water lilies dot the surface, reflected red, yellow, orange, and
brown leaves shine in the depths, or snow and ice insulate the
vibrant life
underneath.
Trail
Map (click map to enlarge) 
Use Guidelines:
The Holt Pond
Preserve was created to educate people about the importance of wetlands
and how they help protect water quality. However, Holt Pond is first
and foremost a nature preserve and LEA has created use guidelines
to ensure that the natural beauty and quality of the area is protected.
Please observe
the following guidelines during your visit:
- Take only memories, leave only footprints. Please do not remove any
natural objects from the preserve and remember to carry out everything
you bring in.
- No dogs. Holt Pond is home to many wild animals. Wild animals do
not like dogs. To protect habitat, leave your dog at home.
- Please respect others' use of the preserve by remaining quiet.
Loud noises also scare animals away. Remember to turn off
your cell phone!
- No overnight camping.
- No motorized vehicles.
- Stay on marked trails.
- Organized groups such as camps, recreation programs, and
large families are requested to make a reservation
with LEA prior
to visiting Holt
Pond.
Directions Map (click map to enlarge) 
Thank you for respecting these guidelines and enjoy your visit!
