About 20 miles N of Portland on Rte 9. Bradbury Mountain is a State Park with a small admission fee. Crowded on Columbus Day weekend. Has picnic area, see saws and a game field. Park map available at the gate.

2.3 mi. rt. Best Hike is to take the Northern Loop to the Tote Road Trail to the summit. This takes about an hour with 1st graders. Nice views to the Atlantic on a clear day. There is another nice new trail going to the summit leaving the far corner of the lower parking lot. Additional trails, all suitable for children on both sides of Rte. 9.

2. Rattlesnake Mountain - Casco, Maine

About 26 miles from Portland. There are No Trespassing signs at the trailhead described in the AMC guide, but access for well behaved groups can be arranged with permission of the owners. Inquire at the Camp Hines Boy Scout camp office in the big white buildings on the north side of Plains Road.

3.6 mi. rt. Best Hike leaves from the posted trailhead, 0.6 miles from Rte 85, on Plains Road. Walk along the W side of Nubble Pond, and straight ahead on an old logging road to a R turn at a cairn. Trail markings are very sparse. The trail then becomes quite steep and eroded, but fun for 3rd graders, to a bluff with great views of the surrounding lakes. The trail continues to the summit and N along the ridge, all of which is becoming overgrown. The transmission tower mentioned in the trail description is gone. Another approach, a little steeper but unposted, leaves from Rte. 85, 1.3 miles N of Camp Kokatosi. Known as the Sheep Pasture Trail by locals, sheep are often visible at the trailhead. There is no other sign than Fire Lane 131-1.

3. Mount Agamenticus - York, Maine

About 45 miles from Portland. Take Clay Hill Road, aka Agamenticus Road, This road is a turn W at a blinker off Rte 1, south of Ogunquit. Avoid Ogunquit in high season, it isn’t worth the traffic hassle. The good news is many of the trails are south facing and the mountain is often snow free first in spring and last in fall. The mountain is now a town park with a riding stable at top which rather detracts. The fire tower on the top is usually unmanned, but easy to climb to great views of the coast.

1.0 mi. rt. Best Hike is to park at the base of the road to the summit (rumor has it the road is now closed to autos) and walk up the roadside. Turn L on a tote road about 1/3 of the way up. This path leads around the mountain on a network of trails. Misty Mountain, one of the best, is the first trail up to the R. Trails are suitable for all ages, with easy grades. Fun hike is to climb the mountain in winter, either along the road or trails depending on conditions, and picnic on the south facing porch of the large building on the summit.

4. Ossipee Hill - Waterboro, Maine

32 miles from Portland, See directions to trailhead in AMC Guide. This hike is slowly being developed out of existence. You will also frequently encounter ATVs. It is essentially a walk on woods roads to a fire tower on the summit. There is lots of evidence of abandoned development from the last century, with at least 2 cemeteries dating back to the civil war and the gateposts to a completely overgrown farm.

5.2 miles rt. This is a hike with very easy grades. For very young children, drive further up the road to shorten the hike. The only views are from a bluff to the L just below the summit, and from the summit tower, usually unmanned but easily climbed. There are transmission towers on the summit as well. Look for an old foundation at the gate to the summit.

5. Douglas Hill - Sebago, Maine

45 miles from Portland. This is a nature preserve, NO DOGS. The approach road is steep, and parking is almost nonexistent. Weekdays are probably OK.

0.6 mi. rt. The trail starts by a trail register. Take the R hand trail. The L is directly over ledges and is often very slippery. Grades are easier to the R also. There is a really neat stone tower on the summit, which provides views, and a labeled summit identifier. The nature trail is off the back of the summit. It is a woods walk only.

6. Mount Cutler - Hiram, Maine

45 miles from Portland. This trail leaves beyond the RR tracks at the end of Mountain View Road, just across the bridge over the Saco in Hiram. There is no longer a Hiram Village Store as described in the AMC Guide. The Hike is not for toddlers or people who are really unhappy on steep places. Adventurous 10 year olds enjoy it with support and encouragement.

2.6 mi. rt. There is a gold mine mentioned in the trail guide. Don’t bother, it is merely a shallow ugly hole. Be aware, there are a number of wells on the R of the trail in the beautiful pine grove. Apparently, this area was a destination for picnics and concerts via the RR and the steam trains needed water for their boilers. The trail quickly gets quite steep with a few scrambles, where the long of limb have a distinct advantage. After this short challenge, the rest of trail is very enjoyable with first a view over Hiram, then over the bogs surrounding the Saco. Continue over the ridge, W to the summit, which is marked with a cairn. Partial views along the way. I have bushwhacked Cub Scouts further along the trail to the W peak, which has nice views towards Burnt Meadow Mountain. Its an open but steep walk up the second peak.

About 45 mi. from Portland. This is a 1500’ elevation gain, and is on the upper limit of the hikes recommended in this guide. The mountain has several peaks, and many of the trails can be quite steep. I have led 3rd and 4th grade Cub Scouts up all of the trails, with positive results, but the hike is a major undertaking for small children.

5.0 mi. rt. Easiest Hike is the Fire Warden’s trail to the main peak. No views except the summit. There is a fire tower, but it is not an easy climb, and it is unmanned. There is a nice brook with cascades to the L of the trail, not far from the trailhead. See the AMC guide for directions. The Pines Motel is now closed, turn on Warren Rd. The farmhouse at the trailhead is currently yellow, with a barn across the road. At the first fork in the trail, bear L.

5.8 mi. rt. Best Hike is the MacKay Pasture aka Southwest Ridge Trail. The directions in the AMC Guide are correct. The trail head is inconspicuous. There are actually 2 trails leading off to start, either is OK, they soon meet. You get the steep part over first, the trail is marked with cairns. The trail passes over several subsidiary peaks, making this trail nice for families, any peak can be the final summit. A teepee of poles is on one summit. The trailhead is definitely tick country in season.

Honorable Mention: 0.8 mi. rt. The Needle’s Eye. This is a pretty waterfall, best in May or after rains. It is on a spur path .4 miles up the Bald Peak Trail. This trail leaves off the main road passing Shawnee Peak Ski Area between telephone poles 49 and 50. The logging yards mentioned in the guide are no longer conspicuous. The Bald Peak Trail itself is quite steep. Sue’s Way, a trail branching R, .3 miles above the Needle’s Eye spur trail is also somewhat rough but has easier grades.

50 mi. from Portland. This is an extinct volcano with an extinct ski area on its side. Don’t try climbing the old ski trails, they are steep, overgrown, and there are surly people living at the base. The directions in the guide are correct, but Rte. 160 is tricky in this area, so look alive. A cub scout tested hike.

2.4 mi. rt. Best Hike. The Eastern Spur trail, blue blazed, leaves near fire lane 45. Follow the directions in the guide. It is quite steep at the top, but by then you are so excited, nobody seems to mind. There is a nice sunny spot with views just above the halfway point which makes a good rest stop. The summit is large and open, allowing space for kids to run around.

About 55 mi. from Portland. Peary Mountain is the next ridge northwest of Burnt Meadow Mountain. This is a smaller hike than either Burnt Meadow or Pleasant Mountain. Frost Mountain, another mountain in the same group, is being taken apart for the gravel. Some of the esthetics of the hike may be ruined. Farnsworth Road is dirt, but easily passable. The trailhead is on the left before a bridge over the Little Saco (very little at this point) which would make most people stop their cars and consider before driving on.

2.5 mi. rt. The trail is gradual. The woods road continues straight ahead at the col with the fireplace, mentioned in the book, ending at an extension of what is referred to as Back of the River Road on Map 4 in the Delorme Atlas. This back approach is quite possible for families also, although it can be wet at the obvious times of the year. Anyway, when you get to the col with the fireplace, there is also a foundation on the L. The L turn for the summit is just beyond the foundation, and not as well marked as it could be. The summit itself has nice views, and a nifty bench made of stone. The other summit mentioned in the guide is a bushwhack, and probably not suitable for family outings.

10. Streaked Mountain - Hebron, Maine

45 mi. from Portland. This mountain is very distinctive as you approach Norway from the south. It has two bare streaks down its face and an army of antennae on top. The directions for the Hebron side in the guide are correct with these revisions. Streaked Mountain Road is only 4.9 miles north of Rte 26 in South Paris, and the power lines referred to are not obvious from the road.

1.0 mi. rt. Best Hike. From the Hebron side. The key word here is steep, but it is real short. Avoid this hike if the ledges are likely to be wet, or worse, icy. The views are nice. Disappointments will include all the people and antennae on top, the occasional utility truck that can drive up on an access road, and the ATVs coming from the Buckfield side. The towers are all closed to climbing but the views are plenty pretty anyway. The solution to all the disappointments is to walk south across scrubby ledge and herd paths to the open second summit. Same views and none of the other stuff. I’ve seen lots of 8 year olds happily make this hike.

11. Singepole Ridge - Paris, Maine

45 mi. from Portland. This is another walk on woods roads, much like Ossipee Hill. There are pretty views over Hall’s Pond from the south summit. There is also a quarry hole filled with water, and many more smaller attempts to hack away the mountain for profit found by exploration. In fact, exploring the summit area, which is covered with scrubby, fairly open growth also yields nice views of Streaked Mountain across the valley. Brett Hill Road is 2 miles past the intersection of 117 and 119 in South Paris.

2.6 mi. rt. Best Hike. Follow the directions in the AMC Guide. There are several confusing paths, but if you take the first critical left turn, you will end up on the top. Grades are easy, the trail is an eroded jeep road. The hike itself isn’t very scenic, but the summit is interesting.

12. Bear Mountain - Hartford, Maine

50 mi. from Portland. Another mountain served by an old fire road, now used by ATVs. There have been recent logging operations just beyond the trailhead, which do not interfere with the trail, only with the sense of serenity. The final turn for the trailhead is 2.2 miles on the blacktop off Rte. 219. It is a dirt road, signed Bear Mountain Road. The trail is merely a rough extension of this road.

3.0 mi. rt. Best Hike. The west summit trail offers the best views, and is spectacular at foliage season. After taking the right turn for this summit referred to in the guide, you come to a field, with a rough trail along the right hand edge. Follow this trail and then continue back into the woods, opposite from where you entered the field. The trail will bear generally right to a large open ledgy area and views. It’s about a 20 minute walk from the right turn. This is an easy hike with good footing.

13. Black Mountain - Sumner, Maine

70 mi. from Portland. The most challenging part of this hike is finding the trailhead. Here’s how I do it successfully. On Rte. 219, go west 1.6 miles from the Hartford/Sumner Elementary School or 4 miles east of the West Paris line. Turn north on Valley Road. Go 1.5 miles. Turn left on Labrador Pond Road. Go 1.2 miles, passing the pond, with good views of Black and Speckled Mountain. Arriving at a Y, take the left fork (Black Mountain Road). Go .8 miles, coming to another Y. Bear right on Black Mountain Road. Go another 1.5 miles and park in sight of a white farm house, where a dirt road leaves on the left. I couldn’t drive the final .4 miles suggested in the guide. You should be at the end of Black Mountain Road. This hike is one of the more difficult listed due to it’s length and steepness at the top. Offsetting these factors, are an interesting, very uncrowded trail and pretty views from a large summit area.

2.6 mi. rt. The trail description in the guide is also confusing. This is a typical Maine trail, following logging roads, snow mobile trails and gut feelings. The blazing is nonexistent. Some notes to help. Walk down the dirt road about 10 minutes, taking the first road right. The fork just before the culvert over the often dry brook is very soon. Bear left and then follow the trail as it curves around to the right. The level part of the trail is obvious when you come to it. The stream bed is about 5-10 minutes walk after coming to the level area. I couldn’t actually see the cairn referred to from the stream bed. After passing the cairn, turn L at the next opportunity. This should be the narrower of the two trails to choose from. Walk a short distance, looking for a series of cairns and a narrow path to the right. If you miss this turn you quickly run out of trail. You may deduce from these instructions, that I didn’t make this hike in a straight line the first time. The path to the ledges is cairned and flagged very sparsely. It can be steep in places, making this a hike for fairly hardy kids. On the summit, there are views over Labrador Pond. Follow the cairns to the L for another view over Rumford, and continue to follow the path down a short, steep path through dense woods to a beautiful sphagnum-ringed pond.

14. Bald Mountain - Woodstock, Maine

70 mi. from Portland. The most challenging part of this hike is getting to the trailhead. The last part of the drive is over narrow, rutted dirt roads. Come from the south, if you are at all faint of heart driving dirt roads. The route from Abbot’s Mill is even worse if you can believe it.

2.0 mi. rt. Best Hike. Take the time to check out Little Concord Pond. There’s a fairly well beaten, fishermen’s trail around the south shore. A alternative trail connecting to the mountain trail, avoiding the 20 foot ledge below, leaves the shore, by a large boulder, a couple 100 feet to the right from where you first come to the pond. The 20’ foot ledge described in the guide, is the only real obstacle on this hike, but the scramble is entirely doable for even fairly young agile kids. The rest of the hike is a very pleasant woods walk to an open summit. The trail does continue on to Speckled Mountain, but this portion of the trail is far steeper. I’ve seen a competent, motivated, and experienced 8 year old complete it easily, but I don’t consider this portion a "family" hike.

15. Mount Tirem - Waterford, Maine

55 mi. from Portland. This is a great mountain even for preschoolers. The woods are open and beautiful, and the footing and grades are easy. Best of all, it is uncrowded. Wilkins Community Center is on Plummer Hill Road, a turn northwest off Rte. 35 in the center of town. Depending on events planned at the Center, parking is often available in the lot. The trail is across the road.

1.4 mi. rt. Best Hike. The trail is obvious to the top. Be sure to explore the boulders, reached by bearing right from the summit.

16. Sabattus Mountain - Center Lovell, Maine

60 mi. from Portland. Spectacular Hike. The trailhead has been moved further down the road, as the area develops. Great views for very little effort. Appropriate for all ages.

1.6 mi. rt. Best Hike. Follow the obvious trail from the parking lot to the summit, with panoramic views. For very little extra effort, you can follow the trail left, to a large erratic boulder. A trail leads somewhat steeply back to the road from here to allow a loop hike. The loop adds about a mile to the hike.

17. The Roost - Evans Notch, WMNF, Maine

78 mi. from Portland. This loop hike offers great views down the notch, is suitable for fairly young children. Check out the suspension bridge with views over the Wild River, across the road from the northern trailhead. Be aware that the access road closes due to snow sometime in mid-November and may not open again until May.

1.9 mi. rt if you choose to walk on the road back to your car. Best Hike. For easier grades up the mountain, start from the southern trailhead. Parking is on the roadside and at small pullouts. I have recently been told by hikers that they missed the views because they didn’t think the spur trail at the summit would be worth it. Don’t make the same mistake. There is a typo in the guide, which describes this hike from north to south.

18. Albany Mountain -  East Stoneham, WMNF, Maine

65 mi. from Portland. Approach the mountain from the north. There has been substantial logging on the south approach, disrupting the trail. The north approach is prettier, too. The approach to the trailhead is along dirt logging roads, but the roads are in adequate condition for a standard car.

3.8 mi. rt. Best Hike. The Notch Trail has always been rather wet. Hike when the weather is dry. A more substantial drawback to this trail is the beaver dam which has appeared in the past few years, completely flooding the trail. I was able to walk along the dam itself to cross dry shod, but it is slightly precarious. I would not recommend the hike unless the trail has been rerouted or the dam removed. Check with the ranger station in Bethel. If it becomes open, follow the Notch Trail to the Albany Mountain Trail and so to the summit. The "best outlook on the mountain" mentioned in the guide is becoming overgrown, and is not worth the search.

19. Albany Brook Trail - Crocker Pond, WMNF, Maine

60 mi. from Portland. Being in a protected valley, this is a great hike when the weather is iffy or downright cold and windy on the mountainsides. . The approach is over logging roads, past areas of active logging. The roads are good. Just before reaching the trailhead, there is a pullout to the left. A short climb up the hill gives a nice view over Broken Pond.

2.0 mi. rt. Best Hike. Follow the well marked trail along the west shore of Crocker Pond to Round Pond. Opportunities for swimming in season. You can extend the hike by following a herd path along the east shore of Round Pond. This hike is another suitable for even toddlers.

20. Stone House Trail, Blueberry Mountain - Evans Notch, WMNF, Maine

75 miles from Portland. They haven’t completely made up their minds what the name of the access road is, alternately calling it Shell Pond Road and Stone House Road. Its a well maintained dirt road, with good parking at the gate. The Stone House is privately owned. The field you walk by on the way to the trail, is used as a landing strip when the owners stay at the house.

4.0 mi. rt from the gate. Best Hike. The trail is well marked. It enters the Speckled Mountain-Caribou Wilderness so limit group size per regulations (currently 10 per group). The trail passes a great waterfall, called Rattlesnake flume soon after it starts to climb. Check out Rattlesnake Pool as well. This is a good turnaround point for weaker groups. The trail is more challenging beyond, with some potentially slippery ledges near the summit. Hike extension, for the best views, adds 0.7 mi. to the hike. Continue left past the summit, to the scenic outlook loop. The right hand turn to Speckled Mountain is substantially longer, and not recommended as a family hike.

21. Little Deer-Big Deer - Evans Notch, WMNF, Maine

75 miles from Portland. This is the hill behind the AMC Cold River Camp, not to be confused with the WMNF Cold River Campground a little further north across the road on 113. There are a number of approaches to this hill and the trail system itself can be confusing. I’ve met a number of hikers convinced they are on Big Deer when in fact they are still on Little Deer. In season, you can stop in at Cold River Camp for advice on hiking in the area and a great map.

5.4 mi. rt. Best Hike. Approach the hill from Shell Pond aka Stone House Road. I like taking the Shell Pond Brook Trail described as a snowmobile trail in the guide. It is actually a pretty walk along a ridge above the Cold River. When you reach the dam over the Cold River, you can cross over and check out the Tea House Trail which will be an immediate right turn. The trail leads to a Victorian screen house which is an enjoyable place for lunch, and the trail is marked as a nature trial in season. The hike up Deer Hill itself leaves from the east side of the Cold River. Avoid the spur trails to the Ledges Trail which is just as steep and potentially slippery as the book says.

Best Side Trip. On the south side of Forest Road 9, leading east off Rte 113, south of Cold River Camp, is a wonderful bog, with beaver lodges, a bird blind and often moose. There are explanatory signs and a short path to the blind. Forest Road 9 leaves 113 at a large brown "Windegan" sign.

22. Conant Trail - Lord and Pine Hills - Evans Notch, WMNF, Maine

75 miles from Portland. This is an area that is starting to develop, being on the fringe of the National Forest. There are some interesting old foundations and grave markers to be found by the sharp eyed. I recommend the counterclockwise direction to avoid the development, and if you are lucky enough to be able to car spot, you can combine this hike with Horseshoe Pond.

Best Hike. Hike as described in the guide, taking the first right hand turn. For a pretty alternative, after you cross Pine Hill, look for a trail on your left marked with round shiny metal disks. Following this trail will lead you to a small open field. Bear to the right at the Y, (the left arm descends steeply to the Conant Trail), and soon hike under overarching alders. Turning left at the next intersection takes you to a open pit mica mine that is still half heartedly being worked off and on. You soon reach the summit ledges of Lord Hill and views of Horseshoe Pond. If you’ve been able to spot cars, you can continue around the Conant Trail until you turn right onto the Horseshoe Pond Trail. Otherwise, remain on the Conant Trail, passing through a beautiful conifer glade, past a really interesting abandoned farm foundation, and back to you car, completing the circuit. The multitude of trails near the summit of Lord Hill can be confusing the first time, so be alert.

Alternate shorter access to Lord Hill. Drive across Kezar Lake at the narrows, and continue along the road until bearing left on Foxboro Road. Continue straight, passing New Road on the left. Park just beyond a small cemetery on the right, after the road has turned to dirt. Walk straight ahead. The trail will take you to the Lord Hill summit.

23. Horshoe Pond - Evans Notch - WMNF, Maine

75 miles from Portland. See the description of the Conant Trail for a longer hike to Horseshoe Pond. If you continue along Forest Road 9, past the trailhead described in the guide, you can make a sharp right turn onto another forest road, referred to as a recent logging road in the guide, parking just beyond where the Horseshoe Pond trail intersects this second road, and shortening the hike even further.

0.7 mi. loop Best Hike. This is a quick and pretty walk to a small area suitable for a dip on a hot day. From the intersection of the trail with the recent logging road, walk towards the pond. When you reach the shore, there is a unmaintained trail to the left which is fun to follow along the shore. It eventually peeters out and can present one problematic brook crossing, but gives some pretty views. The loop trail is to the right. You will eventually return to the logging road. Turn right for your car.

24. Step Falls - Grafton Notch, Maine

77 miles from Portland. The trailhead is 8 miles from the intersection of Rtes 2 and 26. It is on the east side of Rte 26, at the north end of a clearing. The sign is very small.

rt. 1.0 mi. Best Hike. This is a great hike, even for very small children. Wading opportunities. You can drive up towards the Notch and check out the other waterfalls, Screw Auger, Mother Walker, and Moose Cave, all within Grafton Notch State Park. There is a fee required at the Screw Auger Falls parking lot. The Jail mentioned in the guidebook is a rugged if short bushwhack and not recommend for small children.

25. Mount Battie - Camden Hills State Park - Camden, Maine

80 miles from Portland. This is a popular climb. The Mount Battie trail is quite steep and ledgy and so I recommend 2 alternate and less crowded approaches to the mountain. There is a observation tower on top as well as a commemorative plaque to the poetess, Edna St. Vincent Millay. In season, there is an illustrated guide of the islands and mountains visible over Penobscot Bay. There is also an auto road to the top, so you will have company on the mountain. There are rest rooms near the summit.

2.2 mi. rt. Best Hike. Carriage Road Trail. This trail has easy grades and is suitable for small children.

3.4 mi. rt. Second Best Hike. Nature Trail. One drawback to this trail is you must pay for parking at the main Park lot. This trail too has easy grades and some pretty bridges, although it tends to be wet in the spring.