|
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
         
 Reporter |
Summary: first 4/10ths of a mile is on paved road (almost 1/2 of hike is on pavement). It is steep. You have to park down in a side parking lot. There is a $3.00 charge to park but I did not pay it because there was no obvious place to pay, no lock box and no attendant. The trail is well worn as this is a popular hike for kids and dogs. However over the last two years it has deteriorated. There are signs everywhere, 'Trails closes at 6:00 p.m.', 'No Smoking', 'Parking $3.00", "Donations", "Rules...", "No Parking, $25.00 fine", "Towed at owners expense", etc. There was a full garbage can tipped over by the entrance. Too bad you can't hike it to watch the sunset. The town of Sebago seems to want to start making a profit or controlling access to what used to be a lovely nature hike. View is ok from top of tower but trees do restrict the view somewhat. This is an easy hike due to short length but a moderate hike due to slope. Can be very slippery when wet or icy. Trailhead: Follow Route 107 north from East Baldwin or south from Bridgton. Watch for signs for 'Douglas Mountain'. Take Douglas Mountain road and again, follow signs. The trailhead is well marked. You can't miss the parking lot. The signs are everywhere. (Lat:43.52 Lon:-70.41) Trail Guides for Douglas Mountain, Sebago: DeLormes Maine Atlas and Gazetteer by DeLorme (DeLorme) Best Seasons: Year-Round User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Ranger Contact: Sebago town hall, Sebago Maine Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Jon Willard, who has posted 54 other hikes on this site. To visit this reporters web site, click here. Trail Reviews Page 1 of 3 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by DH on 10/10/2009 Parked in parking lot, the $3 is a donation which I happily paid as the toilet facilities were very clean and the area was free from trash. I also met one of the women who help maintain the area and assist when it gets busy. We first attempted the eagle trail I think it was or scout maybe - anyway it takes you up a stright route then you have a choice of continuing (where the free maps mark the tower is) o to turn right onto the nature trail. Luckily someone had drawn on the map that the tower is not where the map states but actually you need to follow the nature trail. Once we got there it was all worth it. Descented via the ledger trail which is a straight and much easier route. We did this twice.
Reviewed by KAS on 10/2/2009 Nice place. Not anything I would do if it was wet out. Nice mixture of terrain from rocks and high steps to low plains. Beautiful view at the top and with a nice rock castle. Well marked, definitely something I would do again.
Reviewed by JMM on 9/5/2009 9-5-09: Gorgeous day for a hike. We parked in the lot and followed the orange markers to the top. This trail was clearly marked. Definitely a moderate hike, perfect - not too hard, but not just a walk in the woods for sure. Not crowded, and the view from the summit was beautiful. We decided to take the quicker/steeper Ledge Trail down. A little tough on the knees. We were chatting away and missed the turn off the paved road to the parking lot. The signs are geared for people coming in the other direction. We'd definitely do this hike again and maybe take the long way down too. 
Reviewed by j on 8/25/2009 sounds like a crap trail... not going to bother with this one
Reviewed by Tim on 6/1/2009 The trail markings are terrible on this hike. Started out on "scout trail" and came to a sign pointing to go right for "nature trail". I didn't see any markings to continue on scout trail so I turned onto the nature trail. Got to the summitt but couldn't find the stone tower. Was hiking down the mountain and thought I was taking the same trail back down the mountain but came out in someones backyard. I followed the dirt road down and came to a womens house. She informed me that I was miles from the parking lot and was looking at a 5 to 6 mile walk to get back there. Made my way back to route 107 and a kind gentleman gave me a ride back to parking lot. I know many hiking trails have volunteer groups to help keep the trail marking up.. 
Reviewed by BH on 8/1/2008 It is very beautiful once you reach the top. Getting there is confusing. We started on the Eagle Scout trail. As we continued there were many little trails. After leaving the top we tried to pick up the path to the road to return to the parking lot. Was not marked, and we never did find it. Returned by the Eagle Scout trail. The $3 I didn't mind. The pot-a-potty was clean. They no longer allow dogs on the trail. This was a huge disappointment. The dog remained in the car.
Reviewed by jt on 11/4/2007 we took the scout trial from the parking lot. that was nice. we did hear hunter shots, but, we are in maine during hunting season. the only confusing part was the "nature trail" off the scout trail should give a heads up that it will also lead you to the summit tower. after all, the view is what you seek at the end. overall, it was a nice hike with great view. my three and a half year old almost made it the whole way. strong girl.
Reviewed by laura on 11/2/2007 trail markings were confusing and we never found the tower. we hiked for over 2 hours and were lucky to find our way out. gun shots were everywhere from hunters. i have hiked this prior but not from this new parking lot. can you send or create a better map i'm going to attempt this again in a day or so to see the beautiful foliage. thanks, laura lhoward60@hotmail.com Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Maine Hiking, Maine Trails, Maine Hikes, Cumberland County Hiking, Cumberland County Trails, Cumberland County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
