Douglas Mountain in Sebago

Douglas Mountain is a great hike for families of all ages. It is located in Sebago, Maine off of Route 107. It can be a little tricky to find the right road. Once you are on 107, look for Dyke Mountain Road. Many maps have it labeled as Douglas Hill Road.  Once on Dyke Mountain Road, look for Douglas Mountain Road on your left. It will be the first road to your left about 1/2 mile up. When you travel down the road, you will see a large sign for the parking area. It is $3 per car load. There is also a drop off area further up the road where you can turn around.




Once you have parked, you have two choices for your path up. You can take the Eagle Scout Trail or walk  up the road to the Ledges Trail.  We took the Eagle Scout.  All the trails are clearly marked. The Eagle Scout has orange blazes. Many of them are canning jar tops painted orange and nailed to the trees.  The Eagle Scout trail is pretty mild until about the last 1/4. Then it becomes fairly steep. You will reach a fork that you can go left for a 1/2 mile trail to the top or right for 1/4 mile to the top. The 1/4 mile notes it is rocky. We did incur some scrapes that way. But, it was not terrible.

At the top, you will find the stone tower. Their is a small narrow stairway to the top Make sure no one is coming the other way! At the top, you have magnificent views of the Presidential range. No fear for the kids. Their is a fence surrounding the top of the tower that sits above the stone wall. You will also find a picture showing you what each of the peaks are. Also, you can see most of Sebago and many other ponds and lakes.We took the Ledges Trail down and then walked the road back to the lot. Their are many beautiful old homes on the road.  But, be respectful of private property.

Overall, the hike is good for all ages. The main things to watch out for are tripping hazards of rocks and roots, slipper pine needles and wet rocks in after rain. In the summer, you can check out Richard's Dairy Delight for ice cream or head up 107 to pick blueberries at Crabtree's Bluberries. In the fall, take Orchard Road to Douglas Hill Orchard to pick some apples.

Sorry for the lack of pictures. But the photographer left the camera in the car!

07/18/15

We hiked the mountain again today. I brought the camera this time. It was drizzling. But, the canopy kept us relatively dry. The bug spray kept the mosquitoes away. And, we had the mountain to ourselves. OH! There were ripe wild blueberries all over!!!!

Kezar Falls Gorge

Kezar Falls Gorge is definitely a hidden gem in Maine. It is located in Waterford, Maine. It can be easily mapped using Google Maps. Although, make sure you don't confuse the gorge with the town of Kezar Falls. Some help in finding is good too. Five Kezars Road is off of Route 35. Look for a general store on the left and church off to the right. This is the road you will want to follow. It will eventually become a dirt road. Look for a stone house on your left. Shortly after that you will find a small loop with a parking area on your right. This is where you can vie the fall. 

The gorge and falls should be okay for older children and adults. We  took our 6 year old who did fine. Although, he does have a healthy fear of the edges and did not venture to close without and adult.  This is a gorge and their are some steep trails and cliff edges. Some areas will require some short rock scrambles up and down. Be careful of the slippery pine needles.

Kezar Falls Gorge would not fall into the category of  a hike. You can explore the areas up and down the gorge or wander the dirt road. The gorge is all about the view and the falls. From the parking area, you will head to the right and down hill to find the falls. There is a small section of chain link fence at the falls overlook. However, it did not look too sturdy and can easily be by passed. So, use caution and good judgement 

If you head to the right of the fence you can follow the stream. The upstream part of the falls has a small unmarked path. We found a water control dam that way. You can follow the path and stream to the Five Kezars Pond. Please be aware that there is a cabin at the end of the path. Be respectful of the owners privacy.

Upstream

The entrance to the falls and gorge.

The dam (WWS 1920)

If you head to the left of the falls, you can head down into the ravine. This is where you will find some small rock scrambles, steep trails and slippery pine needles. We went the day after a rain storm. So, it was extra slippery. But, we made it down relatively easily. At the bottom you will find the "grotto" and some great views of the falls. Farther down, the stream becomes more serene. We saw some beautiful Water Lily's in bloom and some signs of beaver activity.

The Falls

The grotto

Water Lily 

Beaver Attack!

After checking out the gorge, we stopped at Beech Hill Bison Ranch. We checked out the bison, chickens and the shop. The owners were extremely friendly and showed us around. We walked away with a bison horn, magnet and some homemade soap.

There is a lot to do in the Waterford area. We would recommend packing a lunch, dinner or both and spend some time. The area is part of the Greater Lovell Land Trust. There are numerous other place to explore as part of the trust.  Please enjoy!