Chip Stockford Reserve
This upland forest encompasses Ladies Delight Hill. It has a limited undeveloped parking area and simple trail network.
It is a working forest that protects the shoreline and watershed from the effects of second tier development while offering public access for walking, cross-country skiing and enjoyment. The upland forest is complimented by a small but important wetland on Fairview Bay.
Directions
From Route 5 take West Lovell Road over the Narrows Bridge. Turn left onto Ladies Delight Road (the first dirt road on left as the road turns 90˚ to the right). Parking lot is about 1/2 mile on the left, just after crossing the wetland and at the top of the hill.
The Property
This 149 acre Reserve was purchased by GLLT in 2001 with the generous help of the residents of the Ladies Delight Association. The primary goal of this reserve was to protect the water quality of the Lower Bay of Kezar Lake. GLLT manages the property for forest products, wildlife habitat, and public recreational access. At the turn of the 19th century, the land including Ladies Delight Hill was cleared and used for pasture. As such, a forest of predominantly white pine is now present with efforts by the GLLT to increase the percentage of other tree species. The reserve is named for one of the GLLT founders whose family was instrumental in its establishment.
Ladies Delight Hill
According to “Blueberries and Pulsey Weed the story of Lovell Maine”, by author Pauline Moore, “Ladies Delight, that beautiful little hill that overlooks South Bay, was not named for the view. Nor was it named because it made a delightful walk for ladies to take on a Sunday afternoon, or because it was covered with wonderful blueberries. It was named in sarcasm because women who tried to live in two homes built there could not endure the loneliness and isolation.” The property has a long history of human intervention such as farming, pastures, logging and the mining of granite and sand. Evidence of stonewalls, wells, stone foundations, sand pits are all present along the hike.
Activity Guidelines
The Reserve is open to public use for these activities:
Hunting in accordance with Maine Law
Hiking and picnicking
Horseback riding
Cross-country skiing
Snowshoeing
These activities are not allowed:
Fires
Motorized vehicles
Cutting/removal of vegetation
Camping
Mountain biking
Please use the land responsibly, leaving it just as you found it so that others may enjoy it as well. Carry out all waste. Control pets by voice or leash. Leave nature (soil, vegetation, and animals) undisturbed.
Contact us
Greater Lovell Land Trust
P.O. Box 225
Lovell ME 04051
We are a non-profit organization working to conserve lands and waters in the interest of the public in Stow, Stoneham, Sweden, and Lovell. We welcome your support, whether through volunteerism, financial gifts, or simply getting out on our lands. Please, join us!