Pleasant Mountain, Denmark, Maine: Trip Report

View of White Mountains from Pleasant Mountain MaineIt was one of those Saturday mornings where I knew that I was getting antsy. I knew I wouldn’t be able to just sit around all day, doing nothing. So, I grabbed my AMC Maine Mountain Guide, picked a spot nearby, and set out for an adventure. Pleasant Mountain in Denmark, Maine, was my destination.

Trailhead signs mark distances to the peaks on Pleasant Mountain, near Denmark, Maine

Trailhead sign, Pleasant Mountain, near Denmark, Maine

Pleasant Mountain is Southern Maine’s tallest peak at 2006 feet, and because it’s situated on the border of Maine’s western mountains, you get some great views of Southern Maine and into New Hampshire.

Maine's Lakes Region shines at the foot of the White MountainsThe White Mountains loom heavy in the distance, with Maine’s Lakes Region shining brightly below.

It’s a short hike, a nearly three mile trip to the main peak of Pleasant Mountain, but the steepness of the terrain really got to me. My hiking legs were a bit out of tune. If you’re heading to the main peak, you should expect to hike for at least 4 hours if you’re in reasonably good shape.

Stone cairns mark the way along Pleasant Mountain's ridgeline near Denmark, MaineAfter only about .6 miles, and ascending pretty quickly, you hit a ridge that affords your first views of the Maine woods. Look off to the Northwest to see Moose Pond.

My legs were angry with me, so I only made it as far as the southwest peak of Pleasant Mountain. At the top you’ll find a makeshift wooden teepee (basically a pile of sticks), and it’s a good place to sit and relax, maybe snack on some wild blueberries, though there’s little shade. Definitely grab some photos here, as the views are spectacular.

Makeshift wood teepee on the Southwest Peak of Pleasant Mountain, near Denmark, MaineAt this point, afternoon was getting on, so I began the moderate descent back down the mountain. This can be tough on your knees if you’re not prepared, but once you’re about a half mile from the trailhead, things ease up and it’s a nice, easy jaunt back to the car.

The hike on Pleasant Mountain is just that: pleasant. It’s a nice weekend dayhike, and I’m willing to bet it will be gorgeous come autumn. Be prepared with plenty of water and snacks, a first aid kit, and binoculars or a camera.

PLEASANT MOUNTAIN INFO

  • GETTING THERE

    • To get to the Southwest Ridge Trail, take Rt. 302 in Bridgton to Rt. 117 West to Denmark. Continue on Rt. 160 about .3 miles, crossing over Moose Pond Dam, then turn right on Denmark Rd. Travel a couple miles to the parking area on the right, directly across from Spiked Ridge Dr.
  • FACTS & FIGURES

    • 2,006 feet
    • Tallest peak in Southern Maine
    • A nice network of trails circumnavigate the peaks, offering moderately challenging day hikes and fantastic views.
  • SPECIAL FEATURES

    • Stone cairns and yellow blazes mark the trail
    • Makeshift wooden teepee on Southern Peak
    • Views of White Mountains in NH
    • Fun, moderate dayhike

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Chris Cavallari

About Chris Cavallari

Chris is a longtime digital content producer based in Maine. Since 1999, he has been an early adopter and active participant in blogging, podcasting, and social media, and has been guiding small and mid-sized businesses in leveraging video, social media, and digital publishing to the fullest. With an avid love of travel and the outdoors, Chris started PartTimeVagabond.com in 2009 to give him a platform to showcase his outdoors and travel adventures, and to help educate others in doing the same.