Family-Friendly Hike: Hedgehog Mountain in Freeport, Maine
Hedgehog Mountain
Location: Freeport, ME
Distance: Varies
Terrain: Dirt path, rocky path
Elevation gain: 280ft
Difficulty: Easy
Pets: Allowed
The highest point in Freeport—Hedgehog Mountain is a small, scenic trail network perfect for hikers of all ages. It features bridges, rock walls, beautiful forest, and is only a 10-minute drive away from downtown Freeport.
In this blog post, I share everything you need to know before hiking Hedgehog 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.
Prepare to Hike Hedgehog 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
If bringing a pup, be sure to pack their leash and poop bags
Directions and Parking Information for Hedgehog Mountain
Driving Directions
Click here to get directions from a specific location to the Hedgehog Mountain trailhead via Google Maps. The trailhead for Hedgehog Mountain is located on Hedgehog Mountain Road in Freeport.
Parking Information
On your left, you will see a small, gravel parking lot on the left side of the road. There are no restrooms located at the trailhead.
Hedgehog Mountain Rules
Day use only
No campfires
Dogs must be on leash
Stay on marked trails
Carry out everything you carried in
Mountain biking and horseback riding are permitted on certain trails. See trail map for more information.
Hedgehog Mountain Trail Descriptions
Hedgehog Mountain offers a network of trails. Click here to view the trail map. Below are descriptions of my favorite trails:
Hedgehog Trail (easy)
Starts at the parking lot and connects to several other trails, including the Summit, Soule Road, and Stone Wall trails.
Summit Trail (easy)
The Summit Trail brings hikers to the highest point in the trail network—the summit!
Wentworth Trail (easy)
The Wentworth Trail is a short loop that connects to the Soule Road Trail, Foundation, Stonewall, and Summit trails.
Soule Road Trail (easy)
Soule Road Trail is an old road that runs across the land that was previously owned by the Soule family.
The Summit of Hedgehog Mountain
The summit of Hedgehog Mountain is small (literally, there isn’t a lot of space) but nice. It features a rock slab and a partial view of nearby mountains and valleys.
Insider Tips for Visiting Hedgehog Mountain
The best time to visit Hedgehog Mountain is June through September, when temperatures are warm so you can stop and enjoy a lobster roll either before or after your hike.
Try and avoid visiting Hedgehog Mountain on weekends between 10:00a.m. and 2:00p.m., as this is when it will be busiest.
There may be limited cell phone service in this specific area of Freeport.
Best nearby eats: Brickyard Hollow Brewing Company, Nighthawk’s Kitchen, Lily’s Food Cart, and the Bakeshop are all fantastic.
For an excellent waterfront meal, stop by Harraseeket Lunch and Lobster Company, located in South Freeport.
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.
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With love,
My Maine
