Douglas Mountain

Douglas Mountain is a small preserve in the town of Sebago, Maine, where a network of short, steep trails, about 2.8 miles in all, climbs to a stone observation tower with wide views over the Lakes Region. The Town of Sebago owns and manages it after The Nature Conservancy's Maine Chapter donated the land. Parking is a $3 suggested donation per vehicle, the preserve is open for daytime use only, and pets and fires are not allowed.

Getting There

From East Baldwin, follow Route 107 north for 5.6 miles (or 10 miles south from Bridgton) and turn onto Dyke Mountain Road. After 0.8 miles, turn left onto Douglas Mountain Road and follow the signs. There is one parking area. A second trailhead, 0.2 miles farther up the road, is for dropping off and picking up only.

Maine Trail Finder calls it a high-use trail, busiest on weekends between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. If the lot is full when you arrive, it asks you to choose another trail.

The Trails

• Ledges Trail, 0.25 miles, yellow blazes: the shortest route to the summit, from the drop-off trailhead on Douglas Mountain Road. Side paths link to the Woods Trail and offer other ways up the ledges.
• Woods Trail, 0.4 miles, green blazes: from the drop-off point; probably the easiest way to the top, with fewer steep pitches. Snowmobiles use it to reach the summit in winter.
• Nature Trail, 0.7-mile loop, blue blazes: circles the top of the mountain from the summit area, with ledges, an overlook and several steep ups and downs.
• Eagle Scout Trail, 1 mile, orange blazes: from the main parking area, mostly beside a snowmobile trail with stream crossings, then a steep final climb to join the Nature Trail.

Maine Trail Finder rates the network moderate, and warns that parts can be wet with tricky stream crossings.

Ways to Combine the Trails

• Quickest up and down: the Ledges Trail both ways from the drop-off trailhead.
• Gentlest: up the Woods Trail, which has fewer steep sections.
• Longest loop from the main lot: the Eagle Scout Trail up to the Nature Trail, round the summit loop, and back down the Eagle Scout Trail.
• Mix it up: climb the Ledges Trail and come down the Woods Trail, then walk the road back to your car.

Walkers who park in the main lot reach the Ledges and Woods trailheads by walking 0.2 miles up Douglas Mountain Road.

The Stone Tower

A stone observation tower stands on the summit. Maine Trail Finder describes expansive views of the Maine Lakes Region from the top.

Rules

• Daytime use only.
• No pets and no fires.
• No vehicles, including bicycles, except snowmobiles on their designated trails.
• Hunting is allowed in season. Wear blaze orange from October through December.
• Leave the $3 suggested donation at the kiosk; it pays for trail upkeep.

Contact

Town of Sebago, 406 Bridgton Road, Sebago, ME 04029, (207) 787-2457.

Pair It With the State Park

Douglas Mountain is a short drive from Sebago Lake State Park. For a bigger climb, try Pleasant Mountain. If you have a dog with you, go to the state park's day-use trails instead; see dogs.