Howard Hill, Augusta

You can get your aesthetic political fix here, on Howard Hill’s 164-acres, because at the overlook, you’ll have a lovely view of Maine’s capitol building. (The true summit is 100 hundred feet higher, with no views.)

The best place to access the roughly 3.7 miles of trail here is at the end of Coos Lane, where you can park at the 8-acre Effie L. Berry Conservation Area kiosk. This little preserve provides access to the longer trail system on Howard Hill.

Otherwise, you can access the trails at the end of Blaisdell Street, Ganneston Drive, Sewall Street, or Parkwood Drive. The trail at the end of Blaisdell Road (and I’m not sure you can park here) is the quickest and steepest way to the view. The access point off Sewall Street is tucked away down a private driveway.

When I visited in the winter of 2018, the flagged trails were easy to follow, with maps posted at every intersection. The trails are often smooth and easy, as if designed with mountain biking in mind.

Note: The parking lot is plowed in the winter.

Directions: From Winthrop Street in Hallowell, turn onto Coos Lane. Continue onto the end loop of the lane; you can park behind the building, close to the trailhead kiosk.