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Pleasant Mountain Preserve
Pleasant Mountain, located in Bridgton and Denmark, is the highest mountain in southern Maine and one of the defining landmarks of the Sebago Lake region. A destination for hikers, birdwatchers, snowmobilers, hunters, and skiers, the mountain also provides unfragmented habitat for a variety of plants and animals, as well as resources for sustainable forestry, an important part of the local economy.
In 2003, Loon Echo began its first major fundraising effort, the Lakes Region Legacy Capital Campaign, towards the purchase of 1,288 acres on Pleasant Mountain.
To date, the preserve consists of:
- 1,288 acres on the east side of Pleasant Mt.
- 14 acre conservation easement on the North Peak of Pleasant Mt.
- 160 acre land donation on the northeast side of the mountain
- 10 acre conservation easement on Beaver Pond
The Bald Peak (Needles Eye) Trail, Ledges Trail, and (a portion of) Southwest Ridge Trail are located on the preserve and are maintained by Loon Echo’s volunteers and volunteers from the Maine Chapter of the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC).
In 2007, the State of Maine Recreational Trails Program to improve the hiking trails on Pleasant Mountain. The project included: 9 weeks of professional and volunteer AMC crew erosion control work; two new kiosks at Bald Peak and Ledges trails; a *new trail map; 27 trail signs; and four sets of maintenance tools.
Loon Echo is looking for trail adopters to adopt and maintain sections of trails. Please contact Jon to find out more information about the trail adoption program or volunteer opportunities.
*July 2008 Update* Loon Echo was awarded $761,000 from the Land for Maine’s Future Program to expand the preserve. Several parcels are under consideration and soon Loon Echo will announce the campaign to purchase additional lands. If you would like to make a donation to assist in additional land purchases, please contact Carrie.
Directions to the Pleasant Mountain Preserve: From Portland, follow Rt. 302 west to the town of Bridgton. Travel through downtown Bridgton and continue on Rt. 302 for roughly 5 miles. Turn left onto Mountain Road and drive past Shawnee Peak Ski Area. Travel approx. 3 miles to the trailhead and parking area for Ledges Trail, adjacent to firelane 54 (there are several trails on Pleasant Mt., some off of Wilton Warren Rd. and Lake Rd.).
To learn about current hiking trail conditions, please contact Jon Evans at 207-632-8510 or jon@lelt.org .
*Download the new trail map here.
*View the public use guidelines for Pleasant Mountain here.
*downloads best with high speed connection; need free Adobe Reader to view.
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