Joe's Trail

Joe's Trail is an easy out-and-back hike in West Branch Preserve in Maine, a preserve managed by a non-governmental organization. The trail is about 2.5 miles long, with a total elevation gain of 849 feet, and it reaches a high point of 432 feet. The route is rated easy, and the steepest stretch comes early on, around 0.27 miles in, with a grade of about 21 percent. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Newcastle show July highs around 78°F with lows near 60°F, while winter brings highs in the 30s and regular snow days from December through February. The trip takes about 1.5 hours. Katie's Way East and Katie's Way West are both within a mile, and the Lean-To Loop is about 1.2 miles away. Paddlers can reach the West Branch Sheepscot River, about 10 miles off.