Lovell: Kezar Lake, Hiking Trails, and Local History

Lovell offers a range of starting points for planning a trip: Kezar Lake, public trails, and historic sites. Kezar Lake is located in the Town of Lovell in Oxford County, Maine. It covers 2,665 acres and extends 9 miles from north to south. These two measurements provide different points of reference: acres describe area, while miles describe the north-south extent. This helps put the lake’s size into perspective without confusing area and length.

Water and Trails in Lovell

The Kezar River Reserve has a launch ramp for canoes and kayaks that are carried by hand; a canoe is also available there for public use. The reserve can be reached via Route 5, north of Lovell Village. If you are planning to bring your own equipment, you can make note of the ramp; if you would like to use a canoe, a public option is available there.

The Greater Lovell Land Trust maintains public trail networks in Lovell with a range of lengths, difficulty levels, and landscapes—from lakeshores to mountain peaks. Length, difficulty, and scenery make it possible to weigh different expectations for a hike separately. When choosing a trail, you can consider whether distance, challenge, or surroundings matter most to you.

The John A. Segur Wildlife Refuge has a 1.5-mile trail network. It leads from a parking area on Farrington Pond Road to two wildlife-viewing spots on the banks of Sucker Brook. For a hike with wildlife viewing, both the distance and the starting point and destinations are specified. The Chip Stockford Reserve also offers public access for hiking. The two reserves have different features: one is noted for public hiking access, while the other has a specific route leading to wildlife-viewing spots.

Historic Sites and Visiting Hours

The Lovell Meeting House was built between 1796 and 1798 as a place for religious and secular gatherings. Over its history, it also served as a venue for entertainment and leisure activities. Its historical role therefore includes both meetings and recreational use.

Another link to local history is the Lovell Historical Society, housed in the historic Kimball-Stanford House, built in 1839. The society collects and preserves historical and genealogical records, properties, and artifacts. This focus connects local and family history with material evidence. The Lovell Historical Society is open Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., and by appointment. Check visiting hours before your trip. Unlike the Meeting House, which was built as a place for gatherings, the historical society is housed in a residence dating from 1839.

If you are looking for a hotel in Lovell, you can first decide what you want to focus on during your trip: water sports, hiking and wildlife viewing, or local history. Then compare specific hotel offers based on their individual details. This lets you choose your destination according to your interests and assess the features of each hotel separately.

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Return to the regional travel overview: Oxford.