Location: Pownal, Cumberland County
Description: Bradbury Mountain State Park is an 800-acre state park in Pownal. Though Bradbury Mountain’s elevation is only 500 feet, its peak offers great views of Casco Bay and surrounding farmlands. The land was acquired by the federal government of the United States in 1939. The state park was founded in the 1940s. Its borders were extended in the 1990s and 2000s across Maine Route 9 with the addition of the Knight Woods parcels. It was one of Maine’s original five state parks.
Activities: Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, mountain-biking, running
Favorite Season(s) to Visit: Year-round
Why It’s Special: I grew up just a few miles from Bradbury and have seen the usage of the park grow and change over the years. As a kid, I enjoyed climbing the modest peak and taking in the views. Today, with the addition of the Knight Woods parcel, I enjoy the park’s renowned mountain biking trails.
Tips: On particularly snowy winters, you can get some great downhill ski turns on the southern face of Bradbury. You can easily get in several laps before lunch.
More info and directions: http://www.maine.gov/cgi-bin/online/doc/parksearch/details.pl?park_id=12