Hikes near Mousam Lake in Shapleigh and Acton, Maine

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Hikes near Mousam Lake in Shapleigh and Acton, Maine

Inviting Flat Water on Mousam Lake in the Sanford Lakes Region of Maine


Near Mousam Lake (pronounced Mouse-am) in Shapleigh and Acton, Maine, you won’t find an arduous hike, but you can explore the great outdoors, locate remnants of old homesteads giving a glimpse into past lives and maybe see wildlife that never stops telling tales.


For those of you who enjoy an exploration of the natural world, Shapleigh has much to offer from conserved lands to turtle preserves. The Three Rivers Land Trust, which has a mission to preserve and protect forever the valued natural resources of several York County towns including Shapleigh, owns acres and acres of land in the area.

The Shapleigh Barrows, located along Route 11, covers 1,170 acres and lies in part within the Vernon Walker Wildlife Management Area. It’s the location of a pitch pine/scrub oak forest and is home to Blanding and Wood turtles, as well as over 300 varieties of moths and butterflies including at least 6 state-rare species.

Abbott Mountain
Located in the 3,954-acre Vernon S. Walker Wildlife Management Area, the 1.25-mile route to the summit is steep at times. At the summit you’ll be afforded fabulous views of the White Mountains and Atlantic Ocean. Despite numerous signs, hikers are welcome. Trail Access: Intersection of Owl’s Nest Road and Pitts Road, Shapleigh. Degree of Difficulty: Moderate.

Knox Mountain
A one-mile route in the 3,954 Vernon S. Walker Wildlife Management Area leads hikers up to the spacious flat rock top. From the summit enjoy 360-degree views. Trail Access: Turn off Route 11 across from Symmes Pond, Newfield. Degree of Difficulty: Easy to Moderate.

Bond Mountain
The forest has taken back the area surrounding the 1820 Thomas Bond Homestead and  Bond Mountain Spring. Old cellar holes  hold a glimpse into a past life, and the evolving wildlife never stops telling tales. The overlook offers views of West Newfield and Rock Haven Lake. Trail Access: just north of Shady Nook Road, Route 11, Newfield. Degree of Difficulty: moderate to steep, trail not well maintained.

Ossipee Mountain
Rising above Waterboro is Ossipee Mountain, with an elevation of 1,058 feet. The Ossipee Mountain Trail is maintained by the Ossipee Mountain ATVers for hiking, ATVs and other outdoor adventures. At the top of the mountain stands a historic fire tower, which is listed on the National Historic Lookout Register. This is actually an extinct volcano, so it offers interesting geology to explore. Trail Access: McLucas Road, Waterboro. Degree of Difficulty: Moderate.

To view lakefront properties for sale on Mousam Lake, click on the green box above.

To learn more about the Mousam Lake and Shapleigh and Acton area, click on the blog links below.

Mousam Lake in Southern Maine – Perfect for Boaters, Anglers and Vacationers

Goose Pond, Shapleigh, Maine: Experience Halcyon Days on Serene Water

Great East Lake is Acton, Maine’s Golden Pond

 

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