Hiking Family-Friendly Bradbury Mountain in Pownal, Maine
Name: Bradbury Mountain
Location: Pownal, Maine
Distance: Varies
Elevation gain: 305 ft
Difficulty: Varies
Pets: Allowed
Located just ten minutes away from Freeport in Bradbury Mountain State Park, Bradbury Mountain is beloved by both locals and tourists for its wide, gentle sloping trails that provide hikers with a leisurely hiking experience. The family-friendly trails and fantastic summit views make for a great day spent outdoors.
In this blog post, I will share everything you need to know before hiking Bradbury 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.
About Bradbury Mountain State Park
Bradbury Mountain State Park is one of the smaller, more charming Maine State Parks. It’s located within 30 minutes of Portland. It offers many activities— such as hiking trails, camping, cross-country skiing trails, mountain biking trails, and snowmobiling.
Preparing to Hike Bradbury 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 Bradbury Mountain State Park
Directions from I-295
Take Exit 22 for ME-125/ME-136 towards Freeport/Durham. Merge onto ME-125 North/ME-136 N/Mallet Drive. In 0.2 miles, turn left onto Durham Road. Drive for 4.5 miles, then take a right onto Route 9 East. In 0.6 miles, the entrance for Bradbury Mountain State Park will be on your left.
Directions from I-95
Take Exit 63 for US Route 202/ME-4/ME-26A/ME-115 towards Gray/Windham. Turn onto Route 202 East. Follow signs for 115 East/Yarmouth Road. In 1.6 miles, turn left onto Depot Road. In 2.8 miles, turn left onto Intervale Road and then take a quick right onto Freeport Road. In 1.8 miles, turn right onto Elmwood Road, drive for 2.5 miles, and then turn left onto State Route 9-East. In 0.6 miles, the entrance for Bradbury Mountain State Park will be on your left.
Parking
There is a large dirt parking lot where hikers can park to access the trailhead for Bradbury Mountain. There are primitive toilets available for use.
Bradbury Mountain Trail Descriptions
To view a map of the hiking trails, click here.
Northern Loop Trail (1.0 miles, easy)
The park’s most popular trail that is marked with blue blazes. It features wide, well-groomed trails that provide a gentle ascent to the summit.
Ski Trail (0.2 miles, moderate)
A trail with green blazes that cuts off part of the Northern Loop Trail, which results in a shorter ascent.
Boundary Trail (1.5 miles, moderate)
My personal favorite trail. An orange-blazed trail that provides a steeper, quieter hike to the summit.
Tote Road Trail (1.0 mile, easy)
A flat, wide trail with white markers that is usually combined with the Northern Loop Trail for a gentle, longer hike.
Summit Trail (0.3 miles, moderate)
A steep, short hike to the summit. Marked with white blazes.
South Ridge trail (0.5, moderate)
A steep trail with red blazes that begins at the group camping parking lot and connects to the Boundary Trail.
The Summit of Bradbury Mountain
The rocky summit provides nice views of Casco Bay, Portland, and Freeport. It is also home to several informational boards about wildlife that can be found in the park.
Insider Tips for Hiking Bradbury Mountain
Best nearby eats: Maine Beer Company (great pizza), Nighthawk’s Kitchen (informal American food), Li’s Place (Chinese food), Pineland Farms Cafe.
The best time to hike: June through August for warm temperatures and late September to October for peak foliage.
If you’re looking for flat walking trails, check out the East side trails at Bradbury Mountain State Park.
Pineland Farms is only a 10 minute drive away—stop by before or after your hike for some more family-friendly fun. They have disc golf, biking trails, walking trails, a corn maze (seasonal), animal exhibits, and more!
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.
Interested in more Maine hiking information and tips? You can find them all here.
Want more Maine travel inspiration? Follow MyMaine on Instagram!
If you love spending time outdoors in Maine, be sure to scroll down to the bottom of the page (or click here) and subscribe to my e-mail list! By doing so, you’ll be the first to receive all of my latest and greatest outdoorsy Maine content straight to your inbox! And I solemnly swear that I won’t sell your e-mail to spammers or scammers living in their parent’s basement.
With love,
My Maine
