Pleasant Mountain, by Emma Bourget
Pleasant Mountain Preserve is located in Bridgton and Denmark, bordered by the Upper Saco River (west), Moose Pond (east), Kezar Pond (north), and Beaver Pond (south). The area’s proximity to both Portland and Boston makes it an important environmental, economic, and recreational spot. Pleasant Mountain (2,006 feet) is one of the key elements of the Sebago Lake region. It provides a destination for nature lovers of all types, serves as a wildlife refuge, and supplies resources for sustainable forestry.
The mountain contains a 10-mile hiking trail network managed by Loon Echo Land Trust. The trust owns 2,064 acres on the mountain. They also protect, through conservation easements, another 24 acres. In 2009, Land for Maine’s Future helped conserve 61 acres of the Preserve. Camping, fires, and bicycles are prohibited. Dogs must be on a leash at all times, and motorized vehicles are only allowed where designated on the Fire Warden’s Trail. Hunting is allowed, so wear blaze orange during hunting season. Trapping, and event or commercial use, are available by permission only. Please stay on marked trails and carry out all trash.
Closest Town: Bridgton
Activities: Birdwatching, Canoeing, Cross-country skiing, Fishing, Hiking, Hunting, Kayaking, Nature study, Photography, Picnicking, Snowshoeing, Snowmobiling, Swimming, Wildlife Watching
Region: Lakes Region — Cumberland County
Acreage: 61
Directions: From Portland: Follow Route 302 West to Bridgton and continue on Route 302 for roughly 5 miles. Turn left onto Mountain Rd. and drive past Pleasant Mountain Ski Area (recently renamed from Shawnee Peak Ski Area). Distance from Route 302 to the Bald Peak Trail is 1 mile; to the Ledges Trail is 3 miles. The Fire Warden’s and Southwest Ridge Trails are on the west side of the mountain, located off Wilton Warren Rd. and Denmark Rd.
Banner photo by George Aponte Clarke
