Bauneg Beg Mountain Conservation Area

This conservation area in Berwick, protected by Great Works Regional Land Trust, includes Bauneg Beg Mountain’s three peaks: North, South, and Middle. You can hike to all three via two trail systems, reachable via trailheads not too far apart.

The 89-acre Bauneg Beg Mountain Conservation Area North encompasses North and Middle peaks (828 ft. and 864 ft., respectively). Its trails offer a relatively moderate climb — about 0.6 miles, from the main trailhead, never too strenuous — to the area’s highlight, a small open ledge on Middle Peak (elevation gain ~260 ft.). This spot can be popular on nice days! From the best lookout on this peak, you can see the White Mountains and Atlantic ocean on clear days. (On hazy days, it’s easy to say “ho-hum” at the view.)

From the trailhead on Fox Farm Hill Road, the easiest route up is to follow the well-made Bauneg Beg Trail. At ~0.5 miles, take a left onto Ginny’s Way to loop around and up to the summit. This path avoids the boulders and cliffs of Devil’s Den. But if you like scrambling over rocks, go right at the intersection for Linny’s Way (it’s not too difficult, though!).

For this hike, most people park in the lot off Fox Farm Hill Road, which should be plowed in the winter. There is another trailhead on the other side of the mountain, off Bauneg Beg Hill Road, with limited parking along the road shoulder, perhaps room for about two vehicles. If you choose to hike up the back end, from Bauneg Beg Hill Road, expect a fairly moderate, gradual climb that will bring you to the summit in about 0.5 miles.

The North Peak Loop is a great trail, too, with open ledge but no views.

Bauneg Beg Mountain Conservation Area South — On 75 acres of protected land, you can check out the views from the 866-foot South Peak (elevation gain ~350 ft). If you start at the main trailhead, from Fort Quint Road, the 1-mile Summit Trail begins moderately, reaching a pretty stream about halfway up. After crossing the stream, the trail clings to it for a short ways before turning up and beginning a steeper climb via switchbacks, to some impressive ledge, overgrown with moss and ferns. From here, it’s not too far to the short loop around the summit.

Before the summit, you can turn onto Cliff’s Edge Trail, which brings you to a ledge with views to the ocean on clear days. Then you can make your way to the summit, which has an open feel, with oaks, small pines, blueberries, and serviceberries. There’s a nice stone bench close to the summit, with views west, including of Blue Job Mountain (what a great name). The bench is dedicated to the family that owned and helped preserve the land. (The land trust asks hikers to stick to the trails to avoid damaging fragile lichens.)

Like Bauneg Beg North, you can also start your hike from the other side of the mountain, leaving from Bauneg Beg Hill Road, where there is wide roadside parking for four or so cars. According to my GPS, this route is about 0.9 miles, and a bit easier than hiking up the Summit Trail. The hike starts out on the discontinued Hartford Lane before reaching the edge of the conservation land in about 0.25 miles and a side for the mountain. The lane passes a small cemetery.

According to reporting by Maine Mountain Guide writer Carey Kish, Bauneg Beg comes from the Wabanaki word Bannebeaugue, which means “spread out” and “still water.”

Directions: The address for Bauneg Beg North is 281 Fox Farm Hill Rd. Heading on north on Rte. 4 out of North Berwick, go 2.1 miles, then left on Boyle Road, which turns into Ford Quint Road, for about 5.5 miles, then left on Fox Farm Hill Road. (Even before you start this hike, you will see great views along Fox Farm Hill Road.) Parking lot will be about 0.3 miles on your left.