Located in the heart of Kennebunkport, the Emmons Preserve has become a vital part of our community. The site features the homestead of Steve and Natalie Emmons, which was generously donated to the Trust. Steve's dream was to have the property serve as place for children to connect with nature. Over the years, KCT has built a beautiful headquarters building, established trails, and created a place for the people of Kennebunkport to gather. Our headquarters is used for outings for KCT's Trust In Our Children and Discovery Days programs. It also hosts local nonprofit events, family gatherings, private functions and more. You are encourage to visit and explore - take a hike, go for a snowshoe, follow the Batson River, discover on the Learning Trail or have a picnic on our deck.
More information regarding private functions at the Emmons Preserve can be found on the Rentals page of our website. Please note, our trails are not intended for commercial use.
Trail Head Parking: Parking is available at the Conservation Trust Headquarters located at 57 Gravelly Brook Road. Limited parking is also available at both ends of Jeremy’s Trail.
Due to the sensitive nature of rare flora and fauna and changing weather conditions, we do not allow motorized vehicles on our trails. Handicapped persons should contact the Trust and we can provide motorized access to a limited portion of the trails.
Trail Lengths:
Batson River Trail: 1.8 miles from Trust HQ to the Tyler Brook Preserve.
Jeremy’s Trail: 0.4 mile round-trip (return to either access point via Batson River Trail).
Jenne’s Loop: 0.5 mile from Northern intersection with Jeremy’s Trail to Overlook.
Roller Trail: 1 mile loop from Trust Headquarters.
Learning Trail: 0.7 mile loop from Batson River bridge.
Favorite Loops:
Batson River Trek: From Trail HQ to Tyler Brook— 2.5 miles round trip. Experience the breadth of the trail network with views of the Batson River.
Learning Loop: From Trail HQ to Batson River Bridge to Learning Trail loop. Return to Trust HQ—1 mile. Enjoy learning stations at natural and historic sites developed by the Trust In Our Children program in partnership with Kennebunk High School.
Two J’s Loop: From Trail HQ take Batson River Trail to Jeremy’s Trail. At Overlook, take Jenne’s Loop. Return via Batson River Trail — 1.5 miles. Enjoy the beautiful Batson River at several overlook points, including Teal Hole Falls.
Roller Loop: From Trust HQ, follow the Roller Trail— 1 mile. This beautiful loop features views of the Batson River coupled with the Preserve’s namesake historic site, the Emmons Cemetery. This loop is excellent for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
