Incorporated in 1821, Cumberland was named by Ephraim Sturdivant, a prominent sea captain and the town’s first treasurer. There are three major areas: Cumberland Center (government, education, library, shops); the beautiful shoreline of Cumberland Foreside; and West Cumberland, known for its farms and orchards, and now also home to many small, local businesses (www.cumberlandmaine.com). Top schools (Greely High is ranked fourth in the state – usnews.com/education); and amenities such as the Twin Brook Recreation Facility help make the town one of Maine’s most desirable places to live.

Rines Forest Trail- In 2003, Cumberland acquired Rines Forest which is a beautiful tranquil natural environment. Within its 209 acres grow large hemlock and pine trees as well as a sprinkling of red oak, birch, poplar and maple. It is a perfect canopy for the forest’s diverse wildlife which includes white tail deer, coyote, fox, wild turkey, ruffed grouse and numerous wild birds. Along its boundaries, flows Mill Brook which winds its way through the forest providing visitors with beautiful waterfalls and places of solitude. Except for an occasional rock wall and a logging road or two, one can easily sense that they have escaped to a remote boreal forest far removed from a suburb of Maine’s largest city. A comprehensive management plan for the property was developed by the Town’s Rines Forest Committee for the expressed purpose of insuring that the Forest will remain in its undeveloped state. In addition to management considerations, the Cumberland Town Council voted to place the property under the protection of a conservation easement, in perpetuity, with the Cumberland Mainland Island Trust in September of 2005.

Cumberland Town Forest- Cumberland Town Forest is a 1.5 mile lightly trafficked loop trail located near Cumberland Center, Maine that offers the chance to see wildlife and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and snowshoeing and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. The Town Forest was planted in the 1930s. The trail meanders through distinct forest stands. Plantations of red pine, an old field that is now a white pine plantation, a mixed spruce/pine plantation, and mixed hardwood/softwood stands can be seen along the trail. Some signs remain from a self-guided nature trail explaining some of the natural features of the trail. The Town Forest Trail is rustic and can be damp at times especially in spring. Caution is advised for small children and the elderly. The trail is mostly flat but there are sections of the trail require navigating tree roots. There is one section of the trail that is not clearly marked. Roughly a mile into the trail, the trail opens up into a section with tall reeds. Follow the path to the left. You will come out at the bottom of a hill near the town garage. Follow the road up the hill, make a right just before the old school. This leads you to the ball fields. The trail picks up at the far end of the ball fields back to the Town Hall.