QUICK TRAIL FACTS
- Preserve Size: NA
- Trail Mileage: 3.5-mile loop
- Pets: yes
- Difficulty: moderate
- Sights: Views, hand-painted nature quotes
Pico Ledges Trail (in orange on the Google map above): This approximately 0.5-mile trail to an open ledge with fantastic views of Clearwater Lake, Mt. Blue, and other western hills is on privately owned property, so tread with care! We want this beautiful place to stay open forever.
The path starts at Center Hill Cemetery, off Route 148, where there’s a pullover big enough for two or three cars. You’ll skirt the left side of the cemetery (if you’re facing away from the road) before heading into the forest for a moderate incline.
Mind the ‘no trespassing’ signs. Abutting landowners want people to remain off their property. This attitude is offset by the Pico Trail’s friendly hand-painted signs. There are several. One of my favorites reads, “Climb the mountains and get their good tidings.” Another quotes Thoreau: “Heaven is under our feet as well as over our heads.”
At just about half a mile, you’ll reach a junction with an ATV trail. Go left, and the ledges will be to your right about 125 feet or so ahead. Soak in the beauty!
Little Pico Peak loop (in blue on Google map): If you would like a longer walk, you can continue on snowmobile/ATV trails to the smaller, but charming, Little Pico Peak. The snowmobile trails will take you along the edge of a large hayfield with views of the New Vineyard Mountains. At Little Pico, you will find a memorial plaque, wooden bench, and a view across Clearwater Pond. Although not as expansive as the view from Big Pico, the shady bench is a wonderfully quiet spot to sit and enjoying nature or perhaps read a book. A ~3.5 mile loop over both peaks can be made using the snowmobile trails and a short section of Route 148. By Sam Shirley
(Thank you to land conservationists and public-access proponents Brent West of High Peaks Alliance and Gina Oswald of UMaine Farmington for showing us this sweet spot!)
Directions: From downtown Farmington, take Route 43 about 6.4 miles to Route 148. Turn left and the cemetery will be about 1.45 miles farther, on the left. Park on the right side of the road in front of the cemetery.
