Mt. Tuck Preserve

The 3.2-mile loop hike to a decent viewpoint and to the viewless summit of 565-foot Mt. Tuck is fairly easy as far as hill-climbing goes. At the outlook, you can enjoy views of Penobscot River and (I think?) Fort Point Cove from open ledge. The Coastal Mountains Land Trust protects this mountain.

From the trailhead kiosk on Meadow Road (be sure not to block access to Blanchard Lane), hikers are instructed to walk 0.5 miles, or 0.7 miles, down a narrow dirt lane to access either end of the loop trail, both on the right. This is not an unenjoyable task — the track brings you alongside a few small meadows.

If you’re going clockwise, you’ll reach the Summit Trail in 0.7 miles. Then you’ll have a moderate 0.7-mile climb to the summit, which is covered with young forest. From this point, it’s another 0.4 miles to the view from open ledge. You can return via the moderate 0.9-mile South Slope Trail, which offers a relatively gentle descent down the south side of the hill.

Directions: From Stockton Springs, turn north onto Route 1. In 4.1 miles, turn left onto Meadow Road. Continue 0.6 miles and park on the side of right side of the Meadow Road, or by the kiosk. Be sure to not block Blanchard Lane ahead, which is the route you’ll walk to the mountain path.