BRIDGTON — Come along with Loon Echo Land Trust on a rewarding snowshoe hike up Bald Pate Mountain at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 24.
Hikers will meet at the farm stand at Five Fields Farm X-Country Ski Area on Route 107 in South Bridgton. For those who don’t have snowshoes, the Gyger family has generously donated snowshoes for the event. Snowshoes are required on the groomed ski trails.
After being outfitted, hikers will pass through the farm’s conserved land before reaching Bald Pate Mountain Preserve, protected by LELT in 1997. The rocky summit provides excellent views and photo opportunities, conditions permitting.
Bald Pate is a popular destination for families with 500 acres conserved with a portion being in forest management, six miles of hiking trails, a wide variety of plant and animal species, including a unique Pitch Pine grove at the 1100-foot summit.
This hike is considered moderate/strenuous and will take approximately two hours. Proper winter clothing, snacks and water are recommended.
LELT conserves nearly 6,000 acres of land and 25 miles of multi-use trails in seven towns. Its mission is to conserve the region’s natural resources and character for current and future generations.
All Loon Echo hikes are free; however, donations are always welcome and will qualify donors for a one-year membership.
In the event of severe weather, the hike will be canceled. Find out more about Loon Echo by visiting www.loonecholandtrust.org or their Facebook page. For more information about this and other events, contact Jon Evans at jon@lelt.org or 207-647-4352.
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