Pownal MaineHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Pownal, Maine.
1. Bradbury Mountain State Park Hiking Trails
SCENIC SUMMIT VIEWS
Bradbury Mountain State Park offers over 24 miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails with sweeping views of Casco Bay from its summit. The park features various trails including the historic Terrace Trail with visible grape terraces from the 1800s, the relatively flat Tote Road, and the more challenging Boundary Trail with steep descents over rock ledges. Visitors can spend a day or afternoon exploring trails, enjoying magnificent views from the summit, or having a picnic under a canopy of trees.
2. Elmwood Trails
CONNECTED CONSERVATION NETWORK
Elmwood Trails is a two-mile trail system consisting of easements across four private landowners along with state and Royal River Conservation Trust land. This trail network is part of the Bradbury-Pineland Corridor that connects Bradbury Mountain State Park and the Pineland Public Land. Elmwood Trails also connects to the Town of Pownal's Elmwood woodlot, creating an extensive hiking experience through preserved natural areas.
3. Tryon Mountain Trail
HISTORIC QUARRY EXPLORATION
Tryon Mountain Trail is a short 0.5-mile out-and-back path leading to a historic feldspar quarry in Pownal. The trail is lined with shiny, sparkly rocks and minerals, providing an interesting geological experience for hikers of all ages. Though the summit stands at only 390 feet in elevation with no significant views, the quarry at the end of the trail with its large body of water surrounded by high rock walls makes for a fascinating destination.
4. South Ridge Trail
CHALLENGING SOUTHERN VIEWS
The South Ridge Trail in Bradbury Mountain State Park is a less-traveled half-mile path that provides beautiful views to the south. It features a steep, narrow route with several staircases leading to its overlook, making it more challenging than some other trails in the park. Hikers are rewarded with unique perspectives of the surrounding landscape that differ from the main summit views.
5. Boundary Trail
CHALLENGING WOODLAND ADVENTURE
The Boundary Trail is a 1.5-mile challenging route in Bradbury Mountain State Park with steep descents over rock ledges. A notable feature along this trail is a large vernal pool where visitors can experience the springtime sounds of hundreds of frogs and salamanders during their annual mating ritual. This trail connects to the Pineland Public Reserved Lands, offering extended hiking opportunities beyond the park boundaries.
6. Tote Road
GENTLE FOREST PATH
The one-mile Tote Road offers visitors a longer hike through the interior of Bradbury Mountain State Park with a wide and relatively flat path. This trail is excellent for both hiking and cross-country skiing during winter months, making it a year-round recreational option. Its gentle grade makes it accessible for hikers of various ability levels seeking to experience the park's natural beauty.
7. Terrace Trail
HISTORIC AGRICULTURAL HERITAGE
The 0.3-mile Terrace Trail at Bradbury Mountain State Park follows the base of the Northern Bluff and features visible terraces that were cultivated for grapes renowned throughout the region in the 1800s. In the 1940s, this area served a different purpose when a rope tow pulled skiers to the top of the Northern Bluff. This short trail combines natural beauty with fascinating historical elements of the park's past uses.
8. Pownalborough Court House Trails
HISTORIC WOODLAND PATHWAYS
Pownalborough Court House Trails traverse the grounds of a historic courthouse through mature woodlands and scenic dells. These well-maintained paths offer excellent opportunities for walking, hiking, and picnicking in a setting that combines natural beauty with historical significance. Visitors can enjoy the peaceful surroundings while learning about the area's rich cultural heritage.
9. Bradbury-Pineland Corridor
LONG-DISTANCE TRAIL NETWORK
The Bradbury-Pineland Corridor is an extensive network of trails traversing state-owned land, powerline rights-of-way, and connected trail systems. This corridor successfully links Bradbury Mountain State Park with the Pineland Public Land, creating a significant recreational connection between these two natural areas. Hikers can experience diverse ecosystems and landscapes while traveling between these prominent conservation lands.
10. Appalachian Trail Maine Section
ICONIC WILDERNESS EXPERIENCE
The Maine section of the Appalachian Trail offers backpackers a true wilderness experience with designated campsites along its route. This portion of the iconic long-distance trail traverses some of the most challenging and scenic terrain in the entire AT system, including the infamous Mahoosuc Notch. While further from Pownal, the AT provides serious hikers with an opportunity for multi-day adventures through Maine's spectacular mountain landscapes.