Sunset over Holt Pond in South Bridgton, Maine
Wander the many miles of trails that will lead you into quiet wilderness and you’ll discover moss-banked streams, shimmering lakes, bird song, wildflowers and a glimpse of wildlife. Thanks to the good works of local organizations including Loon Echo Land Trust, Lakes Environmental Association, and their volunteers, many miles of trails are well-maintained for your hiking enjoyment.
Stevens Brook Trail
Stretching from Highland Lake in downtown Bridgton to Long Lake is the two-mile long Stevens Brook Trail. This trail can be accessed from any number of points along the brook. Beside the path, remnants of twelve former mill sites and mill ponds are visible. Stevens Brook was named for Jacob Stevens, who started the first saw mill by Long Pond (now Long Lake) in 1768 and later moved his site to Highland Lake. Trail Access: Several locations–On the eastern side of the bridge at Shorey Park; by the Magic Lantern, beside the Big Apple Gas Station below the Black Horse Tavern. Degree of Difficulty: Easy
Pondicherry Park, Bridgton
Located in downtown Bridgton, the 66-acre Pondicherry Park has trails that wind past stonewalls and through former pasture and farmland, much of which is now forested. These well-maintained trails traverse this wooded site beside Stevens and Willet Brooks. Kneeland Springs, a former family cabin renovated into an amphitheater, beaver dams and more await you in this delightful in-town getaway. Trail access: Bob Dunning Memorial Bridge behind Reny’s; across from Bridgton Hospital; lower Willet Road. Degree of Difficulty: Easy
Holt Pond Preserve, South Bridgton
Located on Grist Mill Road, the 400-acre preserve offers several hiking options. The trails are well marked and the path takes you through a mixed forest of birch, beech, hemlock and pine. A red maple swamp, hemlock grove, the Muddy River, and Holt Pond’s quaking bog are just some of the highlights of this delightful destination. The quaking bog is home to pitcher plants, orchids, leatherleaf, swamp rose, and many other unique plants. Pause frequently to enjoy the beauty of this space. Trail Access: Grist Mill Road parking lot; Knapp Road. Degree of Difficulty: Easy/moderate
Bald Pate Mountain Preserve, South Bridgton
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. Trail Access: Route 107, South Bridgton; Fosterville Road (Town Farm Brook Trail). Degree of Difficulty: Easy/moderate
Bald Peak Trail, Pleasant Mountain, West Bridgton
A rigorous climb up the 2.2 mile Bald Peak Trail on Pleasant Mountain includes a side trip to Needle’s Eye, a short detour to a cascading brook sandwiched into a narrow chasm. At a half mile, another trail, Sue’s Way, leads to the North Ridge Trail, which loops back toward Bald Peak Trail. Once on the ridge, you can follow the trail to the summit of Pleasant Mountain, and enjoy views of Moose Pond and points east, as well as the White Mountains to the north and west. Trail maps are found at the kiosk. Be sure to check the map so you descend to the same trailhead. Trail Access: About 1 mile from Route 302 on Mountain Road. Degree of Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult.
To view lakefront property for sale on Moose Pond in Bridgton, click on the green box above.
To learn more about the Bridgton area, check out the blog links below.
Moose Pond in the Sebago Lakes Region of Maine, Offers Views, Fishing, Recreation and Clean Water