A Trail That Links Two Big Properties
The Bradbury-Pineland Corridor is a trail network that connects Bradbury Mountain State Park in Pownal with the Pineland Public Reserved Land, two well-loved conservation properties that sit roughly three miles apart. The corridor stitches them together with miles of woods trail across eastern Cumberland County, so what used to be two separate destinations can now be hiked, biked, or skied as one long connected system. The full corridor spans about 13 miles, including the trails inside both properties and the conserved land in between.
Much of the work to build and protect the corridor has been led by the Royal River Conservation Trust, with the State of Maine and other partners, and the result is a rare thing close to Portland: a long, low-elevation trail network you can travel for hours without crossing a major road. It is popular with mountain bikers, who built and maintain many of the trails, but it works just as well for hikers and cross-country skiers.
The Trail
This is not a single marked path but a web of interconnected trails, so the experience depends on where you start and how far you want to go. From the Bradbury Mountain State Park side, you can climb the mountain’s short summit trails for a quick view and then drop into the corridor’s longer, gentler woods trails heading west. The terrain is rolling rather than steep once you leave the summit, with packed dirt and the occasional root and rock.
Because the network is so extensive, carry a map or trail app and pay attention to junctions, since it is easy to wander farther than you planned. Many of the trails are shared with mountain bikers, so stay aware on blind corners and downhills. For a shorter day, loop within Bradbury Mountain State Park; for a bigger outing, follow the corridor toward the Pineland side and back.
Skin-safe picaridin, no smell
Getting There
The most popular starting point is Bradbury Mountain State Park, at 528 Hallowell Road in Pownal. From Pownal Center, take Route 9 north and the park entrance is on the left after about half a mile. The park has a large lot and charges a day-use fee. On the western end, a Depot Road trailhead in Gray and additional parking on Lawrence Road in Pownal, near Tryon Mountain, give access to the corridor trails outside the park.
The whole network is only about half an hour from Portland, and cell service in the area is generally good. Starting at the state park gives you the best parking and signage, while the outlying trailheads put you straight onto the quieter corridor trails.
If you only want the free corridor trails and not the state park, start from the Lawrence Road parking near Tryon Mountain or the Depot Road trailhead in Gray rather than paying the Bradbury Mountain day-use fee. Starting at the park is easiest for first-timers, but the outlying lots drop you right onto the connecting woods trails.
When to Visit
Spring
The woods green up early at this low elevation. Trails can be muddy after snowmelt, and trail crews often ask bikers to wait until things dry. Ticks pick up.
Summer
Shaded and cool under the canopy. Bring bug spray for the wetter low sections, and share the trail with bikers.
Fall
Firm footing, color in the hardwoods, and comfortable temperatures for covering miles. The best all-around season.
Winter
A popular cross-country ski and snowshoe network once snow falls, with the gentle corridor trails staying easy to follow.
Fall is the best time for distance, with firm trails and color through the woods. The low elevation makes the corridor a good early-spring and winter option too.
Packing List
Bradbury-Pineland Corridor Hike
- Trail shoes or boots for rolling, rooty terrain
- 1 to 2 liters of water
- Bug spray and tick protection
- A trail map or app for the trail junctions
- A light layer for breezy clearings
- Skis or snowshoes in winter
FAQ
How long is the Bradbury-Pineland Corridor?
The full corridor spans about 13 miles, linking Bradbury Mountain State Park with the Pineland Public Reserved Land roughly three miles away, including the trails inside both properties.
Do I have to pay to use the corridor?
Bradbury Mountain State Park charges a day-use fee, but the corridor trails outside the park, reached from trailheads in Gray and Pownal, are free.
Can you mountain bike the corridor?
Yes. The corridor is a popular multi-use network, and mountain bikers built and maintain many of the trails. Hikers should stay aware on blind corners and downhills.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes. Dogs are allowed on leash. The same applies inside Bradbury Mountain State Park.
Where should I start?
Bradbury Mountain State Park on Route 9 in Pownal is the easiest start, with the most parking and signage. For free access to the connecting trails, use the Depot Road lot in Gray or the Lawrence Road lot in Pownal.
The corridor is anchored by Bradbury Mountain State Park, whose short summit climb gives one of the best easy views in greater Portland. For more nearby walking, see Knight’s Pond Preserve in Cumberland.
