Thorncrag Bird Sanctuary

Tons of walking trails and bird watching opportunities here!! The trails all connect in one big loop with plenty to see. Red trail and Orange trails pass by old foundations and streams. Green trail ends at Whale Rock, a giant boulder looking out over a clearing by the power lines. The trail continues down past two old stone fireplaces before looping back to the parking lot.

A lovely place for hiking that's moderately inclined and has wide pathways that easily accommodate for multiple hikers, it's easy to pass hikers coming from the opposite direction without having to stand off to the side. There are numerous interconnected trails that are well marked, easy to navigate, and well kept. There were only a few areas that got a little squishy from the rain, but nothing that wasn't easily avoidable.

It's a nice and quiet area with benches throughout for resting and plenty of beautiful sights to capture on camera.

I also appreciate that dogs aren't allowed into the sanctuary as oftentimes it makes it harder to pass other people and can make it less tranquil. It also prevents the birds from getting disturbed.

Overall, it's a great place to hike that's a step up from easy, flat trails and offers plenty for sightseeing and exploring.

Great park to hike in. Right in town, but feels like your way out in the woods. All year round you can go, beware of ticks in the spring - fall...stay on the trail! I've seen lots of wildlife here...deer, turkeys, porcupines! No dogs allowed unfortunately. Easy trails for kids, and a frog pond. Longer harder trails with hills for exercise. Cool old fireplaces.

Lovely trail to go hike at. There’s a pond with a bench near it and you can relax. I love the few hills it has so that you can get your full experience and exercise in! No dogs allowed though.

Absolutely gorgeous area, this centennial being the highest point in Lewiston makes it a good moderate difficulty hiking area as well. You will see a range of trails, fields, rock formations, babbling brooks and hilltops with views

Beautiful scenery and a lovely trail!

This place is fabulous! The trails are clearly marked and the trail map is easy to follow. You don't need super rugged hiking boots in the warmer weather but it is a best to wear a decent pair of shoes. In the fall/winter you will need boots/snowshoes. This is not a place for strollers or wheelchairs. The spring does cross some of the trails but it is easy to get across it. There are all sorts of benches to relax on throughout the sanctuary. The tallest point in Lewiston is here and you can also view Mt. Washington when it's not cloudy.

A beautiful place, and they take excellent care of it! Was able to get pictures of the amazing mushrooms and fungal they have in the area! I would recommend staying on the pathways. You dont have to leave the foot trails and see all the beauty of the place. Let's keep it pristine, and keep our dirty feet on the paths.
Worth the visit, worth the hike. If you're up for an adventure, but don't wanna spend a bunch of money. This is the best place to go!

A good place for a nature walk, no fee to enter. I took pictures of the front and back entrances. I would definitely recommend the use of bug spray if you are bothered by mosquitoes.

Nice wooded area with different trail options. Well marked and can’t get too lost. Springtime beware!! Ticks veryyy plentiful. I was not planning to walk in the woods and must have been a tick magnet, I pulled at least 7 off my ankles and feet. And we also came across a porcupine deeper in the woods! No dogs or other animals allowed, so the wildlife is wild!

Excellent spot. Easy but varied and well marked and maintained trails. There is variation in the length of the trails so you can do an easy, short walk if preferred. There are also enough trails to support a second visit, which I plan on doing. From one spot you can see the eastern edge of the white mountains.

There is a nice stream running through the place. The stone benches and fire places are visually interesting. It's always nice to be in nature and this place doesn't disappoint. The fact that it is just minutes away from downtown Lewiston is quite nice.

Note:
No dogs are allowed per the sanctuary rules.
The park closes at 8pm and does have a gate.

I really enjoyed walking through this sanctuary. I took the long loop. It was scenic and had varied terrains some interesting view points. The huge stone fire place was very cool.

This park is a hidden gem in Lewiston. There are well maintained walking trails,a super detailed map to plan your visit and all kinds of neat spots along your walk. I highly recommend this park.

My son walks here everyday. He got me to start walking too. This place is fantastic. If you don't have a kid to bring, borrow one.. they'll make the walk so much better :)

Went to this place as a young Cub Scout... now age seventy-two and still love to walk up to the fireplace and come back down by the pond. Have taken all my grand children up there over the years. Have never seen many birds but never have gone up there looking for them. Been there in all seasons...best is the fall. Wish I could still take my dogs up but no dogs allowed any longer.
Love Thorncrage!

Variety of trails cover the Sanctuary and are intertwined and color coded. Maps are at trailheads - you can find it online as well. Very enjoyable area with lots of benches to sit and enjoy views.

A group of us from a nearby conference went to the bird sanctuary for a few hours. It is a peaceful place to hike and absolutely beautiful.

Cool walking paths, be sure to wear long clothes and tick repellent.

+The trails are wide, well maintained, and great for toddlers and kids.
-The driveway/parking lot has some significant potholes.

This place is still viking but there seems to be a canopy tunnel up into the little Waterview! Come check out this little hut on the side too!