Hikes In and Around Sebago Lake, Maine

Law Prevents Soil Erosion from Degrading Water Quality for Maine Lakefront Properties
April 25, 2013
Out and About for the Bangor Lakes Region of Maine May 2-8
May 2, 2013

Hikes In and Around Sebago Lake, Maine

4-800

Nighttime falling on Sebago Lake, Maine

Sebago Lake is Maine’s second largest lake and the third largest in New England. Its Native American name, “Sebago,” means “Great Stretch of Water.” This water stretches eight miles wide and twelve miles long. Covering 28,771 acres or 45.6 square miles, the lake is the deepest lake in Maine (316 feet) with an average depth of 107 feet. The shoreline is 105 miles long, in seven towns — Casco, Naples, Raymond, Sebago, Standish, Windham and Frye Island.



Hiking opportunities in the easy to moderate ability range abound within minutes of the lake.
Douglas Mountain
The 2.3-mile loop trail passes through a mixed forest before opening to a stone outcropping. For a bird’s eye view of the Greater Bridgton Lakes Region, hike to the summit of Douglas Mountain and climb the tower, built circa 1925. On a clear day, you’ll enjoy a panoramic view from Mount Washington to Casco Bay. A nature trail loops around the top. There is a $3 parking fee.
Trailhead Access: Douglas Mountain Road, Sebago
Degree of Difficulty: Moderate
Chessey Property
The Chessey Property is 100 acres of private property protected under conservation easement by the Presumpscot Regional Land Trust. A half mile trail leads through a mixed forest to the shore of pristine Brown Pond. This is not a loop trail, so you must follow the same route out.
Trailhead Access: Hancock Pond Road, Sebago
Degree of Difficulty: Easy
Sebago Lake State Park
Along the shores of Sebago Lake and Songo River and through the mixed growth forest of the park, you’ll find 4.5 miles of relatively flat trails. The Wilderness Trail offers 3 miles of a quiet walk through a hardwood forest, while the 1.5-mile Songo River Trail follows the meandering shoreline.
Trailhead Access: State Park Road, Casco
Degree of Difficulty: Easy
Bald Pate Mountain
This 486-acre preserve offers several well-marked trails, including a two-mile round trip leading through meadows and forest to the 1,000-foot granite summit. Scenic views are enjoyed from the top, where you’ll find a pitch pines growing in the fragile soil. The two-mile Town Farm Book Trail connects Bald Pate Mountain with the Holt Pond Preserve. During the winter, cross-country ski trails groomed by Five Fields Farm, overlap portions of the mountain and require a fee.
Trailhead Access: Route 107, South Bridgton; Fosterville Road (Town Farm Brook Trail)
Difficulty: Moderate
Mountain Division Trail
This relatively flat, wooded 3.7 mile walk trail follows an abandoned rail bed and connects Windham, Standish and Gorham. It’s also the start of the Sebago to the Sea Trail. Mile markers each quarter mile help you judge distance as this is not a loop trail, but rather a straight out and back. Most of it is paved, making for an easy walk.
Trailhead Access: Rte 35, Standish and Gambo Road, Windham
Degree of Difficulty: Easy
Deer Hollow Sanctuary
A short hike meanders through the woods to a mud pond in this 20-acre nature sanctuary. A platform observation deck allows for wildlife viewing.
Trailhead Access: Mount Hunger Shores Road, Windham
Degree of Difficulty: Easy
Otter Brook Sanctuary
A loop hike along a nature trail includes an observation platform, perfect for viewing wildlife near Otter Brook.
Trailhead Access: Rocklin Road, Windham
Degree of Difficulty: Easy
Lowell Preserve
This 300 acre preserve includes three main trail loops. The Libby Hill Loop Trail circumvents the boundary of the property, almost 3.5 miles. At 1.7 miles, the Virginia Trail heads toward the center of the property, looping back after ending about half way into the property. The Roscoe Loop trail is a 1.5-mile loop in the northern section of the property. Connector trails link the main loops.                                                                                                                                             
Trailhead Access: Falmouth Road, Windham
Degree of Difficulty: Moderate
Black Brook Preserve
Encompassing 105 acres, there are 2.4 miles of trails that cross through all areas of the Black Brook Preserve. Over 600 feet of “bog bridges” protect the wetlands and will help keep your feet dry. The property includes rolling hills, mature trees and brooks, plus abundant wildlife siting opportunities.
Trailhead Access: Route 202, Windham
Degree of Difficulty: Moderate
Donnabeth Lippman Park
Formerly called the Chaffin Pond Preserve, the Donnabeth Lippman Park offers easy walking on packed earth through wooded areas and around the edge of Chaffin Pond. The main trail of this 123-acre park loops around the 10-acre Chaffin Pond, but there are also trails on the east side of the pond that leave and connect back to the main loop. A trail extension on the north side of Chaffin Pond leads to Mud Ponds.
Trailhead Access: Chaffin Pond Preserve Road off Route 302, North Windham
Degree of Difficulty: Easy
Rattlesnake Mountain
The Bri-Mar Trail offers a climb through a mixed forest. Along the ridge, several outcroppings offer views of Panther Pond and Sebago Lake.
Trailhead Access: Route 85, Raymond
Degree of Difficulty: Moderate
Jugtown Plains
This 5,000-acre working forest is owned by Hancock Land Company and open for responsible public access. The area is laced with miles and miles of trails. One special feature is the site of the original 1848 sawmill on Decker Mill 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.
Trailhead Access: Edes Falls Road off Route 121, Casco
Degree of Difficulty: Easy
Mayberry Hill Preserve
Perfect for a quick summer walk, Mayberry Hill Preserve features a one-mile loop trail through 160 acres of mixed woodland, meadows and streams.
Trailhead Access: Mayberry Hill Road, Casco
Degree of Difficulty: Easy

From your Maine lakefront camp, cottage or cabin on or near Sebago Lake, you can easily access any of these hikes. To learn more about lakefront properties for sale on Sebago Lake, click on the green box above.

To learn more about the Sebago Lakes Region, check out the blog links below.

Raymond, Maine Offers Plenty of Water for Lake Adventures
Nestled Between Panther Pond and Sebago Lake, It’s The Good Life Market in Raymond, Maine
Heaven on Earth Found at Lovely Cottage on Little Sebago Lake in Windham, Maine
Raymond Cape Lakefront Home in Maine: Oasis for S’mores, Storytelling and Stargazing on Sebago Lake

Stay Informed

Get the latest lake news delivered direct from Maine’s lake expert, Tom Ferent