Since the state of Maine is allowing residents to visit our state parks for free until Labor Day, Sandy and I decided to check out Bradbury Mountain State Park. When we got there, we checked out the trail map and it looked like the Northern Loop Trail would be relatively easy for me to push to the summit of Bradbury Mountain. The mountain is not exactly a mountain as it is only an elevation of 496 ft at the summit. Before we get into that there is some interesting history behind the establishment of the park.
History of the Park
Before the first Europeans arrived, Wabanakis camped on the mountain on trips to the coast. In the early 1800’s, the Cotton family raised grapes on terraces still visible on the mountain. To hold stray cattle, sheep, and pigs, the early settlers built the cattle pound that still stands on Rt. 9 near the Northern Loop Trail. Near the ball field, visitors can still see where feldspar was mined in the 1920’s to make crockery and China.
Acquired from the Federal Government in 1939, Bradbury Mountain became one of the five original state parks. In the 1940’s, it offered downhill skiing with a rope tow. In the 1990’s, the park added 250 acres, thanks to the generosity of the Spiegel family, funding from the Lands for Maine’s Future Fund, and the efforts of many people. These groups continue to work on expanding the park to eventually link to the Pineland Public Land parcel in New Gloucester.
The Hike
The Northern Loop Trail is about 1 mile long and, for the most part, is a gradual ascent to the summit. The surface of the trail is mostly flat hard packed dirt with a few rocky sections. I had to have Sandy push me a few feet in a couple sections as it was just too steep. I was able to push at least 95 percent of the entire trail under my own power. If I had been alone I could have easily just crawled through those sections and pulled my wheelchair until I got to a place where I could push. I would not rate this trail as accessible, but it is possible with a bit of help for most wheelchair users and can easily be navigated by anyone who is walking.
What is that smell?
- Along the way, I kept smelling the odor of what seemed like road kill. We finally realized it was the massive number of mushrooms along the trail that we were smelling. Despite the unpleasant odor it was quite beautiful to see the many different types of mushrooms in a variety of colors.
- The Summit
- When we got to the summit the view was amazing. I wasn’t expecting it to be all that much of a view knowing how small the mountain really is, but I was quite impressed. Being so close to the ocean it made the surrounding area quite a bit lower, so the view went on for miles. I was worked by the time we stopped at the top, so it was nice to take a break, take in the scenery, and have a little snack.
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The Descent
After spending a few minutes at the summit, we decided to make our way back down. Having no knowledge of the other trails we 
figured it was best to just stick to the same trail on the way down. I was sure glad I had my gloves on or my hands would have been seriously blistered and burned, after doing a wheelie for a mile down the trail and holding myself back from careening out of control.
My Recommendation
I would recommend this park to anyone who just wants a nice quiet place to get outside and enjoy the cool shade of the tree canopy and be surrounded by beautiful scenery. The trails are really well maintained and there is definitely something for everybody. So if you are from Maine make sure to take advantage of the free entry to our state parks until Labor Day. If you aren’t from Maine you should visit, it’s a beautiful state!
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