Hiking Pleasant Mountain Maine: The Best Hiking Trails

Pleasant Mountain is widely known for its ski area, but did you know you can hike to its summit? Standing over 2,000 feet tall, Pleasant Mountain offers incredible views looking west towards the White Mountains.

Pleasant Mountain has four trails leading to the summit, each providing a different experience. You can hike the most direct route for a steep hike on its east side, travel up the longest trail on its west side, or traverse over another peak before arriving at the summit. No matter which trail you choose, the views from the summit will not disappoint!

If you want to hike Pleasant Mountain in Maine, you are in the right place. This guide has everything you need to know about the best Pleasant Mountain trails!

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Tips for Hiking Pleasant Mountain, Maine

Get a map of the trails. Although the Pleasant Mountain Trails are well-marked, I always recommend having a physical map. Usually, there are maps at the kiosks near the trailheads, or you can print your own from Loon Echo Land Trust.
Arrive early. Pleasant Mountain is one of the most popular trails in the area, and the parking lots fill up quickly, especially in the summer. I recommend starting your hike in the morning to secure a parking spot and enjoy the trails before the midday crowds arrive.
Wear orange during hunting season. Hunting is allowed near Pleasant Mountain, so you must wear bright orange when you hike during hunting season. If you have a dog, they should also wear an orange vest. Some trailheads have extra orange gear you can borrow during your hike.
Always remember to leave no trace. It’s crucial to pack out what you pack in and leave no trash. Some spots have trash bins, so you can easily throw your trash away. If they don’t have trash bins, you can throw your trash away at a nearby gas station or convenience store.

What to Wear for Hiking

Hiking Boots: If you want comfort and support on your trip, hiking boots are the go to.
Hiking Socks: Having moisture-wicking and comfortable hiking socks are just as important for exploring.
Hiking Backpack: You need something to carry all your food, clothes, and anything else you need while adventuring, so having a supportive hiking backpack is crucial.
Hydration Reservoir/Water Bottles: While hiking or just exploring, it is important to have enough water! I always pack a hydration reservoir.
Jackets: The weather is unpredictable, so I always pack a rain jacket and insulated jacket.
Ten Essentials: The Ten Essentials are crucial for hiking!
Microspikes: If you plan on winter hiking, you will need to bring microspikes.
Snowshoes: Also if you hike in the winter, you may need snowshoes.

Pleasant Mountain Trail Map

The Best Pleasant Mountain Trails

Ledges Trail

Length: 3.3 miles

Elevation: 1,500 feet

The Ledges Trail to Pleasant Mountain is the most popular hiking trail because it is the most direct route to the summit. The trail also provides stunning views at the ledges just below the summit!

The 3.3-mile round-trip trail begins across the street from the Ledges Trail parking lot along Mountain Road and immediately begins to gain elevation. Since the Ledges Trail is the most direct route to Pleasant Mountain, it is steep and relentless.

After about a half-mile, the trail has a few switchbacks, which helps with the elevation, before making the final push to the first overlook. The ledges are about a mile in on the trail and offer beautiful views looking south. This section of the trail also has many rock slabs, which can get slick when wet.

After the ledges, the trail heads back into the forest to make the final and steep push to Pleasant Mountain. About a half-mile before the summit, the Ledges Trail intersects with the Southwest Ridge Trail, and you will want to continue right toward the summit.

Once you reach the summit, you are rewarded with stunning views looking west towards the White Mountains. On a clear day, you can see Mountain Washington! Although the views on Pleasant Mountain are not 360 degrees, they will not disappoint.

Southwest Ridge Trail

Length: 5.4 miles

Elevation: 2,000 feet

Southwest Ridge Trail is the second most popular trail to Pleasant Mountain and begins in a small parking lot along Denmark Road on the west side of Pleasant Mountain. Similarly to the Ledges Trail, the Southwest Ridge Trail has multiple overlooks on the way to the summit. It is one of the longest trails to Pleasant Mountain, making it the perfect option for a longer day hike.

The 5.4-mile round-trip trail begins at the Southwest Ridge Trail parking lot and immediately begins to gain elevation. The first 1.5 miles of the trail gain the most elevation, but the trail is well-maintained, making it easy to ascend even the steep areas.

After about 0.8 miles, the trail offers the first views overlooking the surrounding area. Along the next section of the trail before the summit of Pleasant Mountain, the trail has multiple viewpoints, which makes the steep ascent a bit easier!

After about 2.5 miles, the Southwest Ridge Trail intersects with the Ledges Trail, and you will want to continue straight toward the summit of Pleasant Mountain. The views make the longer trail worth it once you reach the summit!

Bald Peak Trail

Length: 4.6 miles

Elevation: 2,000 feet

Bald Peak Trail is up the street from the Ledges Trail and provides a longer option to Pleasant Mountain from the east side. It also hikes over another smaller peak, Bald Peak, before the final push to the summit.

The 4.6-mile round-trip trail begins just north of the Ledges Trail on Mountain Road in the Bald Peak Trail parking lot and immediately begins to climb steeply. The first mile of Bald Peak Trail gains over 1,200 feet of elevation, making you work for the views! Luckily, you get your first set of views after the trail levels out and passes over Bald Peak.

Bald Peak Trail is relatively flat as it travels from Bald Peak to Pleasant Mountain. I loved this portion of the trail because it is a beautiful traverse and goes by quickly. Before you know it, the trail passes the intersection with the Fire Warden’s Trail and brings you to the summit of Pleasant Mountain.

If you want to make the hike longer, you can add the Sue’s Way loop, making it a 5.5-mile round-trip hike. The loop brings you to the top of the Pleasant Mountain ski area, which has beautiful views!

Fire Warden’s Trail

Length: 4.7 miles

Elevation: 1,500 feet

The Fire Warden’s Trail is the least hiked trail to Pleasant Mountain because it does not offer views before the summit. The 4.7-mile round trip trail begins north of the Southwest Ridge Trail on Warren Road in the Fire Warden’s Trail parking lot. The first mile gradually gains elevation and is a good warm-up for what is to come!

After the first mile, the Fire Warden’s Trail steeply ascends to the summit of Pleasant Mountain without any breaks, gaining over 1,100 feet in about a mile. This section of the trail has loose rocks, making footing a bit more difficult. But the steep hike pays off once you arrive at Pleasant Mountain and see its stunning views looking toward the White Mountains!

If you want to hike Pleasant Mountain in Maine, this guide is the perfect place to start planning. It has everything you need to know about the best Pleasant Mountain trails!