Local Natural Wonders - Day 57

Local Natural Wonders Day 57 - French Mountain in Belgrade, Maine

French Mountain offers a relatively easy loop trail, about .8 miles long, with several lookouts along a short ridgeline that offer perfect views of Long Pond, Great Pond, Belgrade Lakes Village, and surrounding mountains. This hike provides gorgeous vistas for such a short hike and less than 800 feet in elevation.

The trail heads east from the parking area and soon splits at the trail information kiosk, where hikers can choose either direction. Staying left at this fork provides a more direct path to the summit. This leads to a rocky precipice with stunning views of Long Pond. As hikers approach the summit, the first views are of tiny Whittier Pond to the east, Mount Phillip to the northeast, and Long Pond to the southeast. The trail continues along open rocks above steep cliffs to an overlook of the north end of Long Pond. At this point, Great Pond, The Mountain, and Belgrade Lakes Village can all be seen.

This can be a more popular trail for hikers. Visiting on weekdays will likely offer better parking and fewer people.

Directions from Maine Trailfinder: The trailhead is off Watson Pond Road, which leaves from the west side of ME Route 27 about a mile north of the intersection of ME Routes 27 and 225 in Rome. Continue down Watson Pond road 0.7 miles from ME route 27 and look for a paved pullout for parking on the eastern (left) side of the road.

Trail Map