RAYMOND — Taking a hike in the Raymond Community Forest got a little easier last week with the opening of a new parking lot at the trail head.

The community forest was acquired by the Bridgton-based Loon Echo Land Trust in June; since then, the trust has opened three trails on the property for community use.

With the help of Loon Echo staff, volunteers and local contractor Khiel Excavation, the 20-car parking lot was completed Dec. 7, according to the land trust.

The parking lot is located on Conesca Road, which bisects the 356-acre preserve. It provides easy access to three new trails: one mile of multi-use trail at the base of Pismire Mountain, another trail that reaches the Pismire cliff in 0.7 miles, and a third trail that circles the summit of the property.

The parking lot will be open year round, according to the trust, and will be plowed throughout the winter.

– Tess Wrobleski

A 20-car parking lot at the Raymond Community Forest provides convenient access to three new trails.