Hiking Bald Pate Mountain in the Sebago Lake Region of Maine
Name: Bald Pate Mountain Preserve
Location: South Bridgton, Maine
Distance: Varies, see trail info
Elevation gain: Varies, see trail info
Difficulty: Varies, see trail info
Pets: Allowed, on-leash
Located NorthWest of Sebago Lake, Bald Pate Preserve is home to a 6.7-mile trail network that offers numerous trail options for summiting Bald Pate Mountain that range from easy to moderate. Each trail offers a unique view of surrounding mountains, ponds, and lakes. The summit of Bald Pate Mountain provides several views of the Sebago Lake region.
In this blog post, I will share everything you need to know before hiking Bald Pate Mountain—including how to access the trailhead, parking information, trail descriptions, the best time to visit, as well as several insider tips and the best nearby eats.
Preparing to Hike Bald Pate Mountain
Check the weather forecast to ensure safe conditions
Research trail information and conditions
Pack all the hiking essentials, such as water, snacks, and a basic first-aid kit
Wear season-appropriate footwear and clothing
Click here to learn more about what to pack for a Maine day hike
Directions and Parking Information for Bald Pate Mountain
Directions from Portland via Route 302
Follow signs for Route 302 West. Stay on Route 302 for about 28 miles. Once you enter the town of Bridgton and pass by Lake Region High School, look for Burnham Road on your left. Drive on Burnham Road for 1.6 miles, then turn left onto Route 107 South and continue driving for 2.1 miles until you see the trailhead sign on your left.
Directions from Fryeburg via Route 302 E
Follow US-302 East toward Bridgton. As you reach downtown Bridgton, look for ME-117/Main Street, turn right onto ME-117 South (toward Denmark). Drive about 2.2 miles on ME-117. Turn left onto ME-107 South (South Bridgton Road). Continue on ME-107 for about 3.1 miles. Look for Bald Pate Mountain Preserve sign/parking area on your left.
Directions from Southern Maine via ME-117 N
Drive on ME-117 North heading toward Bridgton. Continue on ME-117 North for about 17 miles (you’ll pass through Sebago and Denmark). Turn right onto ME-107 South (South Bridgton Road). Follow ME-107 for about 3.1 miles. Look for the Bald Pate Mountain Preserve sign and parking area on your right.
Parking Information
There is a large dirt parking lot located next to the trailhead—so parking shouldn’t be a problem.
History of Bald Pate Mountain
Bald Pate Mountain is within the traditional and unceded territory of the Abenaki, a member tribe of the Wabanaki Confederacy. The Abenaki First Nations of Odanak and Wôlinak maintain reservations along the St. Francis and St. Lawrence Rivers in the Canadian province of Quebec, where they sought refuge following colonial warfare in the Saco, Presumpscot, and Androscoggin River watersheds during the 17th and 18th centuries. (credit: https://www.lelt.org/bald-pate-mountain)
Bald Pate Mountain Preserve Rules
Carry out everything you carry into the preserve
Dogs must be on-leash at all times
No fires or camping are allowed
Stay on marked trails to help protect precious ecosystems
No motorized vehicles are allowed past the parking lot
Bald Pate Mountain Trail Descriptions
Click here to view the trail map for Bald Pate Mountain.
Hikers can mix and match the trails to make a unique hike that fits their abilities and interests. Most of the trails are relatively gradual and family-friendly. The Bob Chase Trail is definitely the busiest trail in the preserve—so I would avoid that trail if you are looking for a quieter hike.
Bob Chase Trail / Scenic Loop (0.6-0.7 miles, easy)
Marked by blue trail markers, this trail offers scenic views of Western Maine while gradually ascending to the summit.
Foster Pond Lookout Trail (0.5 miles, easy)
This trail is marked by red trail markers and brings hikers to a scenic lookout overlooking Foster Pond.
South Face Loop Trail (1.4 miles, moderate)
This forested trail is marked by orange trail markers. Hikers can start their hike on the Bob Chase Trail or the Moose Trail. This trails winds around the base of the mountain, providing a longer, more challenging hike. Before approaching the summit, the trail becomes steeper and provides nice views of Foster Pond and other surrounding lakes and mountains.
Moose Trail (1 mile, moderate)
This trail is marked by yellow markers. It begins at main parking area and connects to the South Face Loop Trail. This trail has a lot of ups and downs and can be muddy and buggy in the Spring or after we have received a good amount of rain.
Pate Trail (0.2 miles, moderate)
This trail is marked with green trail markers. It cuts off 0.6 miles of the South Face Loop Trail, which makes for an extra steep, rocky ascent to the summit. Be sure to keep a close eye on kids and pets while ascending over the ledges.
Micah Trail (0.4 miles, easy)
This trail is marked with white trail markers. Access is via Moose Cove Lodge Rd parking area. Connects to South Face Loop Trail.
The Summit of Bald Pate Mountain
The summit is comprised mostly of granite and provides several different viewpoints of the Sebago Lake region and surrounding mountains, waterways, and valleys. The summit is also home to several pitch pine trees that produce picture-perfect pinecones.
Insider Tips for Hiking Bald Pate Mountain
Best nearby eats: Sportsman’s Kitchen and Keg (pizza), Black Horse Tavern or Morning Glory Diner (breakfast/brunch), Ancora Italian Kitchen, Elevation Sushi and Tacos (amazing mango margaritas).
My favorite viewpoint is from the ledges on the Pate Trail—it provides the most dramatic view and tends to be less busy than the summit.
The best time to hike: June through August for warm temperatures and late September to early October for peak foliage.
There is spotty phone service while driving to and hiking Bald Pate Mountain, therefore it may be smart to bring some kind of satellite communication device, in case of an emergency. I personally love my mini Garmin InReach.
Leave no Trace
When it comes to enjoying time outdoors, remember the golden rule: Leave No Trace. It’s as simple as picking up after yourself, staying on the trails, and leaving nature just as beautiful as you found it. By practicing Leave No Trace, you help preserve the magic of Maine for future adventurers to enjoy, so everyone can keep enjoying the same beautiful, wild world we love.
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With love,
My Maine
