Bradbury Mountain

The Best First Hike in Maine

Every hiker needs a starter mountain. Something that is not too long, not too steep, rewards you at the top, and does not punish you on the way down. In southern Maine, that mountain is Bradbury.

At 469 feet with less than 200 feet of elevation gain from the trailhead, Bradbury Mountain is not going to appear on any “most challenging” lists. But that is exactly the point. The Summit Trail is a half-mile walk up moderate, rocky terrain that takes 15 to 30 minutes depending on your pace. At the top, a granite ledge opens to views across Casco Bay, the Portland skyline, and the rolling hills of Cumberland County. On a clear day you can make out the White Mountains to the west.

Bradbury Mountain State Park is one of the oldest in Maine, established in 1939, and sits in the quiet town of Pownal between Freeport and Durham. The 800-acre park has over 24 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, but the Summit Trail is the one most people come for. It is the kind of hike you can do on a lunch break if you live in the Portland area, and it is the hike you bring friends to when they say they want to try hiking but are not sure they are “ready.”

The Trail

The Summit Trail starts from the picnic area near the main parking lot. Follow the signs uphill on a well-worn path through oak and pine forest. The trail is rocky in places, with some moderate ledge scrambling in the upper section, but nothing that requires hands. The grade is steady and manageable.

Near the top, the trees open up and you step out onto exposed granite ledges. This is the summit. There is enough room for a couple dozen people to spread out on the rock, and the views face primarily east and south.

For a longer outing, the park offers several loop options. The Boundary Trail makes a 2.3-mile circuit around the perimeter. The Northern Loop Trail adds variety with different forest terrain. The Tote Road Trail connects to the Pinelands-Bradbury Corridor for a longer walk through conservation land. But for most visitors, the Summit Trail up and back is the main event.

The View

The summit view leans heavily toward the coast. You can see:

• Casco Bay and its islands to the southeast
• Portland’s skyline on a clear day
• The Freeport area and Route 1 corridor below
• Rolling forested hills to the north and west
• The White Mountains on the western horizon in clear conditions

It is not a 360-degree panorama like you would get from a fire tower, but the eastward view is wide and satisfying, especially for a hike that took less than 30 minutes.

When to Go

Practical Notes

The park has a staffed entrance gate with a day-use fee of $4 for non-Maine-residents and $3 for Maine residents (ages 12 and up). Children 11 and under are free. Restrooms, picnic tables, and a playground are near the parking area. The park is open daily from 9 AM to sunset.

Dogs are welcome on leash throughout the park. The Summit Trail is short and gentle enough for most dogs.

Freeport is about 10 minutes south and has all services, including the L.L. Bean flagship store if you want to gear up before your hike.

Packing List

Getting There

From Portland, take I-295 north to Exit 22 (Durham/Pownal). Turn left onto Pownal Road and follow signs to Bradbury Mountain State Park on Hallowell Road. The park entrance is about 6 miles from the highway exit. Total drive time: about 30 minutes.

From Freeport, head north on Route 136 to Pownal Road, then follow signs to the park. About 10 minutes.

Parking: Paved lot at the park entrance with space for 50+ cars. Restrooms, picnic area, and playground adjacent. Day-use fee required.

FAQ