Land Trust Spotlight #7: 7 Lakes Alliance
Could we really have given the seventh spot in our land trust series to anyone other than 7 Lakes Alliance?! Read below for four hikes to add to your bucket list in the Belgrade Lakes region. Big shoutout to Jean Hazelwood and the 7 Lakes Alliance team for gathering the biodiversity highlights, insider tips, and sharing images for each hike. Happy hiking, Maine Hikes fam!
About 7 Lakes Alliance
7 Lakes Alliance supports land and water conservation in the Belgrade Lakes region by engaging with the community to achieve clean water, well stewarded lands, and a vibrant economy. In late December 2017, the Belgrade Regional Conservation Alliance and the Maine Lakes Resource Center combined forces to create 7 Lakes Alliance. 7 Lakes Alliance is committed to a mission of conserving the lands and waters of the Belgrade Lakes region for all. For more information, visit www.7lakesalliance.org.
Below, we’ve share four of favorite hikes in the alliance, but there are many more. You’re welcome any time 😎
1. French Mountain
🥾 AllTrails Route 🥾
French Mountain is one of central Maine’s best kept secrets, a modest summit with an outsized reward. The trail climbs steadily through a classic Maine forest of spruce, fir, and hardwoods before breaking out to ledges with sweeping views of the surrounding lakes and mountain ridges. Your hiking soundtrack will include the chatter of chickadees and wind in the trees, but only between long bouts of peaceful silence. With oak trees dotting the summit, don’t be surprised to a see a deer or squirrel stuffing their cheeks with acorns! The challenge is worth the effort, especially for hikers who love a quieter trail with a summit view that feels richly earned.
Insider tip: Early riser or night owl? The summit of French Mountain is the perfect place to catch the sunrise 🌞 and moonrise 🌛.
Unique biodiversity feature: Turkey vultures circle the summit of French Mountain from spring to fall.
2. Mount Phillip
🥾 AllTrails Route 🥾
Mount Phillip is a small mountain with serious character, rising above the Belgrade Lakes region with a short but satisfying climb. The trail winds through mixed woods before reaching open ledges where the view suddenly steals the show, revealing rolling hills, scattered lakes, and the kind of layered Maine landscape that makes you lose your breath…right after re-gaining it 😉. It’s an ideal hike when you want excellent scenery without committing to an all day outing. Keep an eye out for blueberries on the ledges in summer and migrating hawks overhead in fall. This trail proves that in Maine, you do not need massive elevation for a memorable summit.
Insider tip: Start your hike at Mount Phillip’s Lower Trailhead to avoid crowds and enjoy the winding boardwalks of the connector trail.
Unique biodiversity feature: This is a great hike to find spring ephemerals, including trilliums along the trail.
3. Quill Hill
🥾 AllTrails Route 🥾
Quill Hill in Rome is approachable and family friendly, weaving through forest before reaching open viewpoints overlooking Long Pond and the surrounding lake country. First time hikers will feel inspired and seasoned hikers will appreciate the simplicity. Birds are often active here, and the mix of forest edge habitat can produce everything from warblers to soaring ravens. Quill Hill proves that sometimes the best hikes are the ones that quietly deliver without needing to boast.
Insider tip: Connect with the Outer Loop of The Mountain to extend your hike and enjoy views of Great Pond and Long Pond.
Unique biodiversity feature: The large field near the trailhead at the Drury Lane parking area, is a great place to hear grassland birds in the spring and early summer.
4. Homestead Trail
🥾 Route 🥾
Homestead Loop is a refreshing reminder that great hiking should be for everyone. This accessible trail offers a smooth, welcoming path through peaceful woods and open natural spaces, allowing visitors of varying mobility levels to experience Maine’s outdoors without barriers. Benches and gentle grades encourage a slower pace, perfect for noticing mosses, listening for woodpeckers, or watching sunlight filter through the trees. It is a beautiful option for families, multigenerational outings, or anyone wanting nature without the grind of steep terrain. In a state known for rugged mountains, Homestead Loop stands out by making the outdoors more inclusive.
Insider tip: In addition to the wheelchair accessible trail, visitors can walk or ride their mountain bikes on the “B” Trail and Long Pond Trail, which can both be accessed from the property.
Unique biodiversity feature: Once the site of a homestead and barn, apple trees can still be found in the field and old foundation stones litter the surrounding forest floor.
Thanks for reading and for exploring and supporting your local land trust.
We appreciate all you do for Maine and for conservation, 7 Lakes Alliance!
About Land Trusts in Maine
Land trusts have worked tirelessly to conserve 12% of Maine’s total land, which is double the size of state parks, national parks, and national forests combined. There are 84 land trusts in Maine. While that number continually evolves, a couple of things stay the same:
Most of the permanent conservation of these lands is made possible by generous private landowners, who selflessly entrust their beloved family land to these trusts for conservation, environmental education, and community benefits.
Members and volunteers are the driving force behind land trusts, from creating and maintaining hiking trails, to environmental research, to nature-based community programs. Their efforts, both physical and monetary, make our favorite trails possible.
Looking for your next hike in Maine?
Check out the rest of the Land Trust Series here!
Dive into our statewide interactive map referencing all of our recommendations!
