Quill Hill Trail Design

Acorn worked with High Peaks Alliance to provide trail design services in the development of an approximately 1-mile accessible loop that circles the summit of Quill Hill, a unique dive-up site that offers 360-degree views of many of Maine’s most impressive peaks. The work included designs to guide the retrofit of ¾ mile of existing trail and approximately ½ mile of new trail meeting FSTAG standards to the greatest extent feasible to complete the trail circuit. Designs incorporated appropriate running and cross slopes, surface materials, resting areas, path widths and other features to accommodate visitors of varying skill levels and physical abilities, including those on motorized scooters.

The project also reconsidered the existing parking lot and lookout/amenity area at the top of Quill Hill to separate vehicular and pedestrian traffic flows and enhance visitor safety. The team developed a Master Plan that represents the future build out of the relocated parking lot along with the near-term development of the accessible trail and improvements to two recreational trail loops. Together, the Master Plan will help guide future site improvements as Quill Hill continues to attract and accommodate visitors of varying mobilities.