QUICK TRAIL FACTS
- Preserve Size: 6,800-acre Kennebec Highlands
- Trail Mileage: .8-mile loop
- Pets: yes
- Difficulty: easy to moderate
- Sights: views from summit (716 ft.), open ledges
A short climb to the 716-foot summit of French Mountain leads to a gorgeous, expansive view over small Whittier Pond and to the east. It’s one of several little mountains in this area, the Kennebec Highlands. French Mountain is protected by the 7 Lakes Alliance. I am sure this is a very popular spot, as many of the little hikes in the Kennebec Highland area are, but I just happened to hike here during a thunderstorm! Only two other hiking parties were out then.
Directions: The parking area is 0.7 miles south of Watson Pond Road’s junction with Route 27, on the left.