Hacker’s Hill

Hacker’s Hill is a beautiful park, protected by Loon Echo Land Trust, with gorgeous views from an elevation of 753 feet. If you are up this way, I encourage a visit. You can make a 0.6-mile loop around the meadow on a mown path, with options for smaller loops.

The paved access road is closed from November to April, but if you’re visiting during the off-season, there is parking on the road pullover at the bottom of the hill with room for about six cars. Get ready for a huffy ~0.15-mile hike up the steep driveway! Once you’re at the top, you can walk mown paths around the meadow, as well as visit the little outdoor chapel at the edge of the field. Look for a stone throne, as well!

Check the land trust’s website for the days when the gate is open, usually Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, May-October. The access road is paved and there is handicap-accessible parking at the top of the hill.

Directions: From Portland, follow Rt. 302 west. Take a right onto Quaker Ridge Rd. in Casco. Hacker’s Hill is located at the height of land on the north end of Quaker Ridge Rd. There’s ample parking at the top of the hill during the spring-summer-fall, and parking below the rest of the year, behind the gate.