Schoodic Bog to Schoodic Mountain

The Schoodic Bog Trail connects to a large network of trails maintained by the Frenchman Bay Conservancy, including Baker Hill and Long Ledges preserves to the south. It also links up to the astonishingly lovely Donnell Pond Public Lands and its many miles of trails.

At the bog, you can do a 3.5- to 4-mile loop around the beautiful wetland, depending on which path you choose. You can also continue on an approximately 1.5-mile trail up the backside of Schoodic Mountain, crossing private land along the way, so please stay on the established route. (Another popular route to the summit approaches from the Donnell Pond Public Lands side.)

The 1,079-foot Schoodic Mountain summit is glorious, with 360-degree views. a little radio tower and a stone wind break. Watch for the cairns across the open ledge to stay on the trail.

If you plan to hike from Schoodic Bog to Schoodic Mountain, look for the unmarked route after emerging onto the Down East Sunrise Trail from the bog loop. Follow the wide rail trail for 100 yards or so, then bear sharply right onto an ATV track. The route crosses private property and can be confusing in places, though cairns and occasional markers help guide the way. Eventually the trail climbs steeply over loose, rubbly terrain toward the open summit ledges. (From the Down East Sunrise Trail, the elevation gain is about 890 feet, if I’m doing my math right.)

To return via the east side of the Schoodic Bog Trail, you continue across the bog along the Down East Sunrise Trail. About 0.8 miles along, a side trail on the right leads approximately 1.5 miles to Punkin Ledge Road. From there, turn right on the road to return to the Schoodic Bog trailhead.

Directions: From Route 1, turn onto Punkinville Road and drive 2 miles and bear left onto the dirt Punkin Ledge Road. Drive 0.7 mile to the Schoodic Bog Road on your left.  A short distance up this road, you’ll find a parking area.  You can walk along Schoodic Bog Road, or along walking paths from the trailhead kiosk (which I did) that connect to Baker Hill and Long Ledges preserves.