View from Bradbury Mountain Summit
View from Bradbury Mountain Summit
Highlight • Viewpoint
Hiking
5.0
(11)
Mountain biking
5.0
(2)
Gravel riding
5.0
(1)
Cycling
5.0
(1)
The View from Bradbury Mountain Summit offers a rewarding panorama from one of Maine's original state parks. Located in Pownal, Cumberland County, this prominent viewpoint sits atop Bradbury Mountain, a glacier-sculpted formation rising to approximately 470 feet (143 meters) above sea level. It provides a unique perspective over the surrounding forests, the picturesque Casco Bay, and even glimpses of the Portland skyline, making it a cherished natural landmark in Southern Maine.
Visitors consistently praise the accessibility and the magnificent vistas…
Tips
November 12, 2018
Hiking
April 12, 2023
Mountain biking
December 11, 2023
Cycling
In the know? Log-in to add a tip for other adventurers!
Sign up for free
Nearby routes
Best routes near View from Bradbury Mountain Summit
35
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
25
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
20
hikers
6.03km
01:37
80m
80m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Details
Informations
Elevation 110 m
Weather
Powered by Foreca
Today
Tuesday 24 March
6°C
-3°C
0 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 13.0 km/h
Most visited during
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
For an easier ascent, the Northern Loop is highly recommended and is suitable for most hikers. It's a gentle climb. Alternatively, the Summit Trail offers a shorter but steeper route. Many hikers report completing the round trip to the summit in under an hour, making it a great option for a quick outing.
Yes, Bradbury Mountain State Park is generally dog-friendly. Leashed dogs are welcome on the trails, making it a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts who want to bring their canine companions along for a hike.
Absolutely! The park is known for its family-friendly options. The Northern Loop is often cited as an easy and gentle trail suitable for families with children. With a diverse network of over 20 miles of trails, you'll find routes catering to various skill levels, including many that are perfect for a family outing.
Parking is available within Bradbury Mountain State Park itself, easily accessible from Route 9. It's advisable to arrive early, especially during peak seasons or on weekends, as parking lots can fill up quickly. The park charges an entrance fee, which helps maintain the facilities and trails. Specific fee details can usually be found on the Maine State Parks website.
Yes, Bradbury Mountain State Park is open year-round and is a popular destination for winter activities. When covered in snow, the trails are excellent for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and winter hiking. Always check trail conditions before heading out in colder months.
The fall season, typically from late September through October, offers spectacular views of fall foliage from Bradbury Mountain Summit. The park's extensive forested areas transform into a vibrant tapestry of colors, making it a prime location for leaf-peeping and photography.
Bradbury Mountain State Park is conveniently located approximately halfway between Portland and Lewiston-Auburn, and just a ten-minute drive from Freeport. These nearby towns offer a variety of cafes, restaurants, and accommodation options, ranging from hotels to inns, for visitors looking to extend their stay or grab a bite after their hike.
Bradbury Mountain is a distinctive glacier-sculpted formation. The summit itself exposes underlying granite and pegmatite, which is unlike many other summits in Maine. This exposed rock gives the viewpoint a unique geological character and adds to its scenic appeal.
Yes, mountain biking is permitted on specific trails to the summit. Cyclists should use the Boundary Trail or the Switchback Trail to reach the overlook, as these are the designated multi-use trails that allow bikes. The Switchback Trail also offers the added interest of passing a historic feldspar quarry.
The park's 800 acres of forested land are home to a diverse array of wildlife. Visitors might spot white-tailed deer, rabbits, and numerous bird species. It's particularly noted as a significant spot for birdwatching, especially during spring and fall migrations when hawks and eagles can be observed riding thermals.
Bradbury Mountain State Park is a popular destination, especially on pleasant weekends and during peak seasons like fall foliage. Parking can fill up quickly, and trails can see a good number of visitors. For a quieter experience, consider visiting early in the morning, later in the afternoon, or on weekdays.
Yes, the park has a rich history. You can find remnants of 19th-century farming, such as rock walls and terraces. There's also evidence of an old feldspar mine that operated from 1928 to 1933. Additionally, the adjacent 1817 Pownal Cattle Pound, a stone enclosure, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is worth exploring.