Pleasant Mountain

By CAREY KISH

Copyright © 2006 Blethen Maine Newspapers Inc.

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Trail name: Pleasant Mountain Nearest town: Denmark Region: Western Lakes Length: 4 miles Difficulty: Intermediate Maps: Get driving directions from MapQuest.

Pleasant Mountain in Denmark is one of the most recognized and frequently climbed mountains in the Maine. Its impressive four-mile long ridgeline rises dominantly above the landscape of the Lakes Region of southwestern Oxford County, belying its moderate 2,006-foot elevation.

Pleasant Mountain is very often the first "big" mountain that hikers tackle on their path to the higher peaks of Maine and New England. And it is a favorite that many, myself included, continue to climb year after year.

Five major trails ascend Pleasant Mountain from the four compass directions. Over time I've hiked them all on separate occasions, but had never traversed the entire mountain, which utilizes all or part of these five trails, from end-to-end until recently.

A BLUEBERRY HEAVEN

As it turns out Pleasant Mountain provides one of the finest long ridge walks around. And now, nearing midsummer, it also becomes "blueberry heaven," as one hiker friend reverently refers to the mountain.

So get your daypack together (and a container for berry picking) and enjoy. Allow 4-5 leisurely hours for the complete six-mile south-to-north traverse.

Spot a car at the base lodge of the Shawnee Peak Ski Area in Bridgton. Then begin your hike from the trailhead on the Denmark Road in Denmark, about three miles south of Route 302.

Follow the wide MacKay Pasture Trail (also known as the Southwest Ridge Trail) gradually uphill. After a steep stretch, bear right onto an old woods road, then left along the eastern edge of the mountain. Be sure to look behind you for views of Burnt Mountain and Mount Chocorua.

Delightful, easy walking through the semi-open forest leads over rock slabs and small ledges. From the frequent viewpoints look out to Mount Kearsarge, the Moats, Mount Carrigain and Mount Washington, while turkey vultures ride the thermals rising up the mountainside.

MARKERS LEAD TO TEEPEE

Follow cairn markers to the "teepee," a locally famous, if a bit unusual, structure of weathered branches and logs that's big enough to crawl inside.

Beyond, walk along the level ridge with pretty Moose Pond visible below on your right. As the cell tower comes into view, duck left into the woods. Newly constructed trail now takes hikers around the tower area and avoids the uninteresting walk down a dirt road.

With glimpses of the fire tower ahead make your way up to the junction with the Ledges Trail. Bear left, climbing steeply before reaching the open summit.

Below the tower the grassy meadow with its beautiful panoramic views makes a fine place to relax, enjoy some lunch and maybe catch a short nap.

To continue your ridge walk, go past the tower and down a short distance on a stony track. Where the Firewarden's Trail continues straight ahead bear sharply right onto the Bald Peak Trail.

From here, enjoy several miles of wonderful hiking with only minor ups and downs along the rolling ridge, a pleasant park-like walk through scrub oaks and red and white pines.

At a large outcrop atop Bald Peak, the Bald Peak Trail diverges right and heads downhill. Beyond, the way over the rocks is poorly marked and can be tricky. Stick to the ridgeline and look for the sign "North Ridge Trail" to know you're on track, avoiding a second confusing intersection with the Bald Peak Trail.

Cross a gully, scramble out and traverse left, circumventing a subsidiary peak. Pass through a rock crevice and swing back to the right and the junction with Sue's Way.

Go left and cross several ski trails to reach the ski patrol hut at the top of Shawnee Peak.

Finish by plunging directly down the main lift line, following ski trails to the base lodge and your car.

Little Mountain Store on Route 302 makes a convenient stop for cold drinks and snacks while shuttling cars. And the 302 Roadhouse at the Pleasant Mountain Inn serves up excellent post-hike chow (try the pot roast!). Round out your day with a refreshing swim at the public beach on Highland Lake in Bridgton.

Carey Kish of Portland is a new member of the New England Outdoor Writers Association. He can be reached at: maineoutdoors@aol.com.