Bradbury Mountain State Park
A family-friendly hike to a granite summit with coastal views, just 20 minutes from Freeport. Perfect for beginners and a favorite for Portland-area day trips.
Bradbury Mountain delivers the mountaintop experience without the mountain-sized commitment. Rising just 485 feet above the surrounding terrain, this modest summit in Pownal offers open granite ledges, views of the coast and White Mountains, and a trail network accessible to hikers of all abilities. It’s the perfect starter mountain—close to Portland and Freeport, easy to climb, yet genuinely rewarding.
The park has served as an introduction to hiking for generations of Maine families. Kids scramble up the Summit Trail for their first taste of peak-bagging; parents appreciate the manageable distance and time. But Bradbury isn’t just for beginners—the trail network extends to nearly 30 miles when combined with adjacent conservation lands, offering exploration for experienced hikers too.
The Mountain
Basic Information
- Summit elevation: 485 feet
- Elevation gain: ~300 feet (from parking lot)
- Summit features: Open granite ledges, views in multiple directions
The View
On clear days, Bradbury’s summit ledges offer surprisingly expansive views:
- East: Casco Bay and the Atlantic Ocean
- Southeast: Portland skyline
- West: White Mountains of New Hampshire (on clear days)
- North: Maine’s western hills
The view punches above the mountain’s modest height, thanks to Bradbury’s isolated position rising from relatively flat terrain.
The Trails
Summit Trail (Main Route)
- Distance: 0.6 miles to summit (one way)
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Time: 20-30 minutes up
The most direct route to the top. Starts from the main parking lot and climbs steadily through forest before emerging onto the granite summit ledges.
What to expect:
- Clear trail with good footing
- Steady but manageable grade
- Some rocky sections near summit
- Forest shade until the top
Northern Loop Trail
- Distance: 1.0 mile loop
- Difficulty: Easy
- Time: 30-45 minutes
A gentler loop through the forest on the mountain’s northern side. Good option for easier walking or extending a summit hike.
Tote Road Trail
- Distance: 1.5 miles one way
- Difficulty: Easy
- Time: 45 minutes
A wider, more gradual route following old logging roads. Alternative summit approach or pleasant woodland walk.
Boundary Trail
Connects Bradbury to adjacent conservation lands, extending hiking options significantly.
Mountain Biking
Many of Bradbury’s trails are open to mountain biking, making it a popular destination for off-road cyclists.
Suggested Routes
Quick Summit (Best for First-Timers)
- Up Summit Trail (0.6 miles)
- Enjoy views from ledges
- Down Summit Trail
- Total: 1.2 miles, 45-60 minutes
Summit Loop
- Up Summit Trail
- Down Northern Loop or Tote Road
- Total: 1.5-2 miles, 1-1.5 hours
Extended Exploration
Combine multiple trails for longer outings. The full trail network offers options up to 8+ miles within the park alone.
Practical Information
Getting There
Bradbury Mountain State Park is located in Pownal, about 20 minutes north of Freeport and 30 minutes north of Portland.
Address: 528 Hallowell Road, Pownal, ME 04069
From Freeport: Head north on Route 1, turn left on Hallowell Road. Park entrance is about 5 miles on the right.
From Portland: I-295 to Exit 20 (Freeport), then Route 1 north to Hallowell Road.
Park Hours
Open year-round, 9 AM to sunset. Hours vary seasonally—check current times.
Fees
Maine State Park entrance fee applies (per person or per vehicle depending on season). Maine residents pay less. Annual passes available.
Parking
Paved lot near the park entrance and trailheads. Rarely fills except on the busiest summer weekends.
Facilities
- Restrooms at parking area
- Picnic tables and picnic shelter
- 41 campsites (seasonal)
- Playground area
When to Visit
Best Times
For families: Weekday mornings in summer; temperatures are cooler and trails less busy.
For views: Clear days in any season; spring and fall often have the best visibility.
For solitude: Weekdays, early mornings, or shoulder seasons.
Seasonal Notes
Spring: Muddy conditions possible. Wildflowers begin appearing.
Summer: Peak visitation. Hot afternoons; start early.
Fall: Spectacular foliage. The summit views of surrounding color are exceptional.
Winter: Trails open for hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. Can be icy; traction devices recommended.
Perfect for Families
Bradbury Mountain excels as a family destination:
Right-sized challenge: Long enough to feel like a real hike, short enough for young legs.
Summit rewards: Kids love the granite ledges and clear sense of achievement.
Safety: Well-maintained trails with no dangerous exposure.
Facilities: Restrooms, picnic areas, and playground at base.
Combined activities: Pair with Freeport shopping or lunch for a full day trip.
Tips for Hiking with Kids
- Pack snacks for the summit (everything tastes better on top of a mountain)
- Bring layers (summit can be breezy)
- Allow extra time for rock scrambling and exploring
- Point out landmarks in the view—kids love spotting the ocean
- Celebrate the achievement
What to Bring
- Comfortable hiking footwear (sneakers acceptable for Summit Trail)
- Water
- Snacks
- Layers (summit is exposed)
- Camera
- Bug spray (summer)
- Sunscreen
Combining with Other Activities
Freeport
Just 6 miles away, Freeport offers:
- L.L.Bean Flagship Store: Open 24/7, outdoor gear and Maine merchandise
- Outlet shopping: Dozens of brand-name outlets
- Restaurants: Multiple lunch and dinner options
- Wolfe’s Neck State Park: Another easy hiking option with coastal trails
Desert of Maine
A quirky geological attraction about 15 minutes from Bradbury—40 acres of exposed glacial sand dunes.
Coastal Exploration
The coast from Freeport to Portland offers beaches, parks, and waterfront dining.
The Experience
The trail climbs through hardwood forest—birch and maple filtering the light, the path soft underfoot with last year’s leaves. Kids race ahead, then wait, then race ahead again. The grade is friendly. Progress is steady.
And then the trees fall away and granite appears—smooth, sun-warmed ledges with the world spreading in every direction. The ocean glints to the east. Portland’s buildings rise on the horizon. To the west, on clear days, the White Mountains trace their jagged line.
This is what mountain summits feel like, scaled to human measure. No dramatic exposure, no grinding miles, no gasping altitude. Just the simple pleasure of climbing to a high place and being rewarded with a view.
Someone has brought a picnic. Runners stretch after their ascent. A dad helps his daughter identify islands in the bay. A couple’s dog drinks from a portable bowl. Bradbury draws all types because it welcomes all types.
Bradbury Mountain is the mountain for everyone—close enough for an afternoon, easy enough for beginners, rewarding enough to bring you back. Pack a lunch, climb the half-mile trail, and remember why people climb mountains in the first place: for the view, for the accomplishment, for the simple joy of being up instead of down.