Autumn Color on Thompson Lake, Casco, Maine

Need a break from shopping for lakefront property on Sebago, Thompson, Pleasant or Crescent Lakes in Casco, Maine? Whether you hike for exercise, recreation or to take in a scenic view, tucked among the rolling hills are five hiking locations, each with a different feel.

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Mayberry Hill Preserve
Perfect for a quick snowshoe trek or easy summer walk is the Mayberry Hill Preserve at the top of Mayberry Hill Road. Hike this one-mile loop trail through 160 acres of mixed woodlands, meadows and streams or join Loon Echo Land Trust for a guided walk. Quintessential stone walls, a stone cairn, and a couple of benches await hikers, skiers and snowshoers on this 160-acre parcel that was donated to LELT in 1990. Trail Access: Top of Mayberry Hill Road. Degree of Difficulty: Easy.

Hacker’s Hill
A short but steep walk up the driveway (if the gate is open, you can drive up) to Hacker’s Hill may get your heart pounding, but it’s well worth it for the view of the Presidential Mountain Range and Sebago Lake. Roam about the open, grassy meadow, walk along the short trails or sit on a bench and take in the view. Throughout the year, LELT offers programs including hawk migration and a viewing of a meteor shower. Trail Access: Quaker Ridge Road at the height of land. Degree of Difficulty: Driveway Challenging, Otherwise Easy.

Rattlesnake Mountain
The easy climb up Rattlesnake Mountain offers great views of Panther Pond, Jordan’s Bay and Sebago Lake. Following the Bri-Mar Trail, hikers should bear left where there appears to be a choice since heading right will put you on a logging path. Local lore has it that Edgar Welch, the fastest man on foot who ran up Mount Washington at least once a year, worked on a farm at the base of Rattlesnake Mountain, where the sun set one hour earlier than elsewhere in town. According to legend, after work each day, Edgar ran up the Rattlesnake and moved rocks. Finally, he’d moved enough to let the sun shine on the farm for an hour longer. Note: There are no rattlesnakes on this mountain. Trail Access: Route 85 across from R.P. Harmon’s Greenhouse. Degree of Difficulty: Easy/Moderate.

Sebago Lake State Park
Along the shores of Sebago Lake and Songo River and through the mixed growth forest of Sebago Lake State Park, you’ll find five well-marked and relatively flat trails to hike, cross-country ski or snowshoe. The Wilderness Trail offers 3 miles of a quiet walk through the hardwood forest. The 1.5 mile Songo River Trail follows the meandering shoreline of the river. Other trails loop through the wooded areas of the park on the north shore of Sebago Lake. The Sebago Lake State Park provides all-season enjoyment for hikers, skiers and snowshoers. Trail Access: State Park Road off of Route 302. Degree of Difficulty: Easy to Moderate.

Jugtown Forest
This 5,000-acre working forest is owned by Hancock Land Company and open for responsible public access. The area is laced with fifteen miles of trails for hikers, ATVers, bicyclists, horseback riders and hunters. By foot, explore the site of the original 1848 sawmill on Decker Mill Hiking Trail. Crooked River passes through this property. Do be aware that this is a working forest and some areas may be closed. Logging equipment always has the right-of-way. Trail Access: Edes Fall Road behind the Hancock Lumber Office on Route 121. Degree of Difficulty: Easy

To learn more about lakefront property in Casco, Maine, click on the blog links below.

Thompson Lake, Maine – Big, Brawny, Clean Water, Great Fishing… and Solitude

Maine DEP Takes Pleasant Lake in Casco OFF State’s Milfoil List

Consider Lakefront Property Near the Charming Village of Casco, Maine