Lovell MaineHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Lovell, Maine.
1. Sabattus Mountain Trail
SUMMIT WITH PANORAMIC VIEWS
Sabattus Mountain Trail offers a popular 1.4-mile loop up to a 1,253-foot summit with outstanding views of the White Mountains and Kezar Lake region. The well-marked path winds through mixed forests and features moderate climbs with sections over exposed roots and ledge. It is accessible year-round and is also used for snowshoeing in the winter months.
2. Heald and Bradley Ponds Reserve
LARGE NATURE PRESERVE TRAILS
Heald and Bradley Ponds Reserve is a sprawling 800-acre conserved area featuring several hiking trail loops through forests, around ponds, and up small summits like Amos Mountain and Whiting Hill. Trails here range from easy to moderately challenging, making them ideal for families and more experienced hikers alike. Visitors are treated to scenic views, diverse ecosystems, and opportunities for wildlife observation.
3. Five Kezar Ponds Reserve
LAKESIDE FOREST WALKS
Five Kezar Ponds Reserve offers a variety of trails through tranquil woods and along the edges of several picturesque ponds. Hikers can enjoy peaceful scenery, birdwatching, and the quiet sounds of nature, with trailheads easily accessible by car. The trails are maintained by the Greater Lovell Land Trust and provide a gentle hiking experience for all abilities.
4. Chip Stockford Reserve
WETLAND AND WOODLAND HIKES
Chip Stockford Reserve features a network of trails passing through wetlands and upland woods, offering hikers a glimpse into diverse habitats. The shaded paths are ideal for a leisurely hike, with opportunities to spot wildlife and enjoy the area's natural tranquility. Parking is convenient and trail access is located just off Ladies Delight Road.
5. John A. Segur Wildlife Refuge
CONSERVATION AREA TRAILS
John A. Segur Wildlife Refuge in nearby Fryeburg offers a serene setting for hiking with well-marked trails winding through open fields, forests, and along wetlands. Managed by the Greater Lovell Land Trust, this refuge is perfect for wildlife enthusiasts and casual walkers alike. Peaceful paths invite visitors to enjoy birdwatching and the refuge's conserved natural beauty.
6. Whiting Hill Trail
WOODED HILLTOP VIEWS
Whiting Hill Trail is part of the Heald and Bradley Ponds Reserve and offers a moderate hike up to panoramic views over the surrounding lakes and hills. The trail ascends through rich woodlands, gaining about 800 feet in elevation. It is a favorite for those seeking a quiet, rewarding peak experience close to Lovell.
7. Amos Mountain Trail
QUIET FORESTED SUMMIT
Amos Mountain Trail, also within Heald and Bradley Ponds Reserve, leads hikers to the summit of 955-foot Amos Mountain. The path meanders through mixed hardwoods and softwoods, providing gradual elevation gain and peaceful forest scenery. Sweeping vistas await at the top, making it a hidden gem in the Lovell hiking scene.
8. White Mountain National Forest (Evans Notch Area)
EXPANSIVE MOUNTAIN TRAILS
The Evans Notch area of White Mountain National Forest, just over the Maine-New Hampshire border, features numerous trailheads for various skill levels, including the renowned Baldface Circle and Blueberry Mountain trails. Hikers here will find dramatic ridgelines, open ledges, and classic New England wilderness. Its proximity to Lovell makes it a popular day trip for avid hikers seeking more challenging terrain.
9. Kezar Lake Loop
SCENIC LAKESIDE WALKING
Kezar Lake Loop provides a scenic walking and hiking route along portions of Lovell's beautiful Kezar Lake, known for its clear water and mountain views. The area offers both informal trails and quiet backroads for walking or cycling. It is especially popular in late spring and summer when wildflowers are in bloom.
10. Speckled Mountain via Bickford Brook Trail
CHALLENGING ALPINE HIKE
Speckled Mountain, accessible via the Bickford Brook Trail in nearby Stoneham, offers a moderately challenging climb to a high summit with sweeping views over the White Mountains and surrounding valleys. The trail is well-marked, with stream crossings, hardwood forests, and open granite ledges. It is sought after by experienced hikers seeking a longer, more adventurous outing near Lovell.