Hawk Mountain December 19, 2025
Next week’s hike destination has been changed. We had planned to Hike Mt. Albany but have discovered that the access road isn’t plowed.
HAWK MOUNTAIN IN WATERFORD
Elevation gain: 291 feet. Hiking distance: A minimum of 1.5 miles but likely longer depending on choice of trails.Driving Time from Denmark: 15-20 minutes
Directions to Trailhead: Turn onto Mill Hill Road off of ME-35, 1.2 miles south of Waterford on the left or 4.5 miles north of Harrison on the right. In just over 0.5 miles, turn right onto Hawk Mountain Road and proceed for 0.7 miles. The parking area will be on the left in a dirt lot immediately opposite the trailhead. Address: 100 Hawk Mountain Road, Waterford.
This preserve is part of the Western Foothills Land Trust
The 144-acre Hatch Preserve was donated to the Western Foothills Land Trust in 2016. Two adjacent tracts were donated in 2017 and 2019 by families and individuals who wish for their lands to remain undeveloped, managed for wildlife, forest health, and gentle recreation. Together with the town-owned parcel, 219 acres are protected.
The Hawk Mountain Trail proceeds 0.7 miles south from the trailhead to the Waterford owned Hawk Mountain lookout. Grades are gentle to moderate, and the surface is mostly dirt with some loose rock in the summer but will probably be picked snow and ice for us. The length and relative gentleness of the ascent make this trail an excellent choice for us. At the summit, broad cliffs may offer panoramic southerly views, if the weather permits.
The trail departs directly across Hawk Mountain Road from the parking lot and begins to climb immediately, with the first 0.2 miles characterized by a consistent moderate grade. At the intersection 0.5 miles up the trail, bear right to continue towards the summit and cliffs. Shortly thereafter, the trail emerges onto the first summit in a large clearing which offers views to the east. Continuing into and up the other side of a steep gully, the trail then emerges onto the second summit of Hawk Mountain, which offers cliffs and views to the east, west, and south. Elevation gain 291 feet. Trail is 1.5 mile round trip.
Map: download
