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About
Sebago, ME
Trailheads, measurements, times, distances, and maps are all approximate and relative to the hike(s) as shown below.
Looking up the Eagle Scout Trail
I've found the Sebago Lake area in Maine to be pretty neat ever since I first drove through there a little over a month ago. As a result, I wanted to hike some of the smaller hikes/mountains around it.
Today was Douglas Mountain.
Due to work and missing a turn, I arrived at the parking lot a bit later than I had hoped - and with the posted closing time of 6 PM, I had to move at a good pace. There's a $3 fee to park there (a bit expensive for something like this if you ask me, but there was no one around nor a logical collection spot for it, so it was free for me today).
The Eagle Scout Trail is very heavily blazed - there's probably an orange blaze every 5-10 feet. The trail first dips down, joining with a snowmobile trail, then splitting off to cross a small creek, only to rejoin the snowmobile trail again soon there after.
The trail then breaks away from the snowmobile trail again and heads toward Douglas Mountain. Up until this point, the trail has been either flat or downhill. Once it reaches the foot of the mountain, it ascends steeply (a short section mind you), before ending up on the side of a col. This is where I became confused, as the map in the base area made the trail look like a look of sorts. Yet, at this four way intersection, there was only one sign - "Nature Trail" - and four different blaze patterns including where I came from. Thinking I would continue on the "loop", I followed an orange blaze pattern to the left. Wrong.
Back at the intersection, I decided to follow the Nature Trail, as it seemed to be going in the direction of the peak. After dipping into the col, this trail ascends steeply (a short section again), before reaching the stone summit tower.
This is a neat little tower - one story tall - with excellent views of Sebago Lake. There are also good views of the northern White Mountains. Unfortunately, the views of the sunset were somewhat obstructed by trees and nearby communications towers.
With very little time to spare, I watched the sunset for a few minutes and then commenced the jog back. via the same route. I made it to the parking lot with just a few minutes to spare before the (no clue how closely its enforced, but I don't want to get locked in via the gate or towed!) area closed.
All in all, a nice little hike. If I do it again, I intend to walk the paved road up instead, as the Eagle Scout Trail is a bit drawn out and rather ugly with the excessive amount of orange blazes.
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The Eagle Scout Trail trailhead
Looking at Sebago Lake from Douglas Mountain
The sunset as seen from the tower on the Douglas Mountain summit
Back to Douglas Mountain Profile
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