A favorite nearby attraction, Bradbury Mountain State Park is a scenic 30 minute drive from the Wolf Cove Inn, a Bed And Breakfast in Maine. With a summit of sweeping vistas to the coastline and farmlands of Maine, Bradbury Mountain has one of the highest reward-to-effort ratios you’ll find anywhere. The park offers a nice variety of activities while enjoying your romantic getaways in Maine.
Read on to learn more about this great state park and some ideas for enjoying the mountain.
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THE WOLF COVE INN
About Bradbury Mountain State Park
View To The Maine Coast From The Top Of Bradbury Mountain
Located in the nearby town of Pownal, Maine, Bradbury Mountain State Park is a 30 minute drive from Wolf Cove Inn. If you are in a hurry to get to Freeport for some shopping (the park is right on the way to Freeport), you can easily summit, enjoy a picnic lunch and be back on the road in about 60-90 minutes. On the other hand, you can plan to spend a day exploring the 21 miles of interconnected trails.
If you happen to be visiting mid September, bring your cast iron skillet. At their annual “Cast Iron Skillet Cook Off“, local chefs duke it out with skillets and dutch ovens over the grills in the park. Might you be crowned Iron Chef this year?
Enjoy The Foliage Views From The Summit Of Bradbury Mountain.
In the warmer months, the park offers:
- Hiking
- Trail running
- Mountain biking
- Horseback riding
- Hunting
- Picnicking
- Birds of prey watching
Conversely, in cooler winter months you will enjoy:
- Snowshoeing
- Cross country skiing
- Snowmobiling
Accordingly, you’ll find a wide variety of terrain that supports these activities. From meandering walks in the woods to some more advanced ascents up the mountain or along tight biking and cross country skiing trails, there’s something for almost everyone.
For easy access to the summit, with its panoramic views to the coastline of Maine, hikers of any ability may use the Northern Loop Trail. On the other hand, if you’re like me, you can find intermediate trails up the mountain via the Switchback or South Ridge Trails. Click here for trail maps.
Enjoy The Views While Picnicking At The Summit Of Bradbury Mountain
Helpful Information About Bradbury Mountain State Park
The park is open year round, beginning at 9AM until dusk.
Rising 485 feet, the mountain is in the western half (west of route 9) of the 730 acres of park land. The eastern area is somewhat flatter, but with some tight, technical trails that will challenge hikers, bikers and winter sports enthusiasts.
Fees range from nothing for children under 5 to $4.50 for out of state visitors.
The park has picnic benches, grills, rest rooms, campgrounds and drinking water.
A leash is required if you want to give Rover some exercise while you are hiking.
Bradbury Mountain Raptor Research Project
Researchers Catalog Raptor Sightings At The Summit Of Bradbury Mountain
In springtime, mid-March through mid-May, you can learn about the migratory hawks, eagles and vultures in the area. During the annual “Spring Hawkwatch,” researchers armed with binoculars catalog the comings and goings of the raptors above the mountain. They are happy to tell you the stories of our avian friends.
History
Prior to European immigration, Native Americans of the Wabanaki Confederation camped on the mountain in transit to the coast. The Confederation consisted of the following tribes:
- Abenaki
- Maliseet
- Mi’kmaq
- Passamaquoddy
- Penobscot
Early Settlers Herded Stray Cows, Sheep And Pigs Into This Cattle Pound
Adjacent to Route 9, early settlers built the cattle pound to hold stray cattle, sheep and pigs. Can you find the terraces that supported grape production in the early 1800s? Years later, mining of feldspar near the current ball field was important to the economy in the roaring 20s.
Acquired from the Federal Government in 1939, Bradbury Mountain became one of the five original state parks. In the 40s, the ski trail segment offered downhill skiing via a tow rope. In the 1990s, the park added 250 acres, expanding to its current configuration.
Year Round Romantic Destination
Visit Wolf Cove Inn On Tripp Lake In Poland, Maine
Bradbury Mountain State Park is one of many year round activities to enjoy while staying at the Wolf Cove Inn. In addition, we have an extensive list of fun and interesting activities all around us including:
- Scenic day trips
- Maine waterfalls
- Activities on and around Tripp Lake
- Hiking, biking and trail running
Located right on Tripp Lake, we are your home for romantic getaways in Maine. Enjoy our hospitality, gourmet breakfasts and beautiful sunsets. And for those who really want to pamper yourselves, enjoy a relaxing spa treatment in one of our spa friendly rooms. Follow that up with a Tripp Lake Pizzeria Dinner for two and consider yourselves wined and dined.
Bradbury Mountain State Park
528 Hallowell Rd.
Pownal, ME 04069
Phone: (207) 688-4712
You Too Can Experience The Spectacular Sunsets Over Tripp Lake!
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