Johnson Brook Trail

The 11,000-acre Sunkhaze Meadows National Wildlife Refuge surrounds more than five miles of the Sunkhaze Stream and 12 more miles of tributaries in Milford, Maine. There are thousands of acres of wetlands in the refuge, and there's a 10-mile network of trails that allow visitors to explore the area. One such pathway is known as the Johnson Brook Trail, and it extends for 3.5 miles.

Your dog can come along and trek the Johnson Brook Trail with you as long as they're on a leash, and the two of you will get a thrill out of this moderately steep trail with a natural dirt surface as well as several sections of boardwalk.

From the trailhead, you and your dog will walk along a grassy area with a wide path. Before long, the trail will begin to narrow, and the intensity of your hike will increase. To catch your breath along the way, be sure to stop and read the interpretive signs along the way. The refuge is dedicated to protecting birds and other wildlife, and once you know what to look for, you can spot all sorts of creatures along the way.

Some other features to look for along the way include a beaver pond, although the beavers are most active at night. You'll also see a birch grove and a cedar swamp. The boardwalks along the trail allow hikers to explore the wetland area without getting their feet wet.

The Sunkhaze Meadows National Wildlife Refuge is open 365 days a year, and certain weeks of the year, it's open to hunters. Be sure to check ahead of time to see if you'll be sharing the area with hunters. Hikers should also pack plenty of water and doggie bags for their visit.

You and Skip are going to love exploring Maine's wetlands on this stunning trail at the Sunkhaze Meadows National Wildlife Refuge!