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Wells Barrens Preserve
4.5 ★★★★★ 13 Google reviews · Running trail in Wells, Maine · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Wells Barrens Preserve's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
What runners say about Wells Barrens Preserve
I liked walking around the loop, the trail was wide and flat so it was easy. I didn't see much wildlife, just a few birds. There was a beaver dam off to the side where the snowmobile tracks go out to the powerlines which was cool to see as well
(4/24/25) I really enjoyed this hike. I discovered this trail network through my AllTrails app. Trailhead parking lot fits about 20 vehicles, I was the only car there today.
Great place for less common shrub/grassland birds like the field and grasshopper sparrows. Prescribed burns are done here to prevent woody overgrowth, you'll notice the dry smoky smell that's typical of these types of preserves. Lots of shrubs and grasses surrounded by more wooded areas.
Haven't actually been to the Preserve, I worked across the street on the housing development, but I hear it's not that bad if a trail.
Trail conditions & character
“Looks beautiful but a big 👎for not being dog friendly.”
“I liked walking around the loop, the trail was wide and flat so it was easy.”
“Trailhead parking lot fits about 20 vehicles, I was the only car there today.”
Plan your run at Wells Barrens Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitenature.org
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Tuesday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Wednesday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Thursday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Friday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Saturday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Sunday | 7 am–7 pm |
Running trails near Wells
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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