QUICK TRAIL FACTS
- Preserve Size: N/A
- Trail Mileage: 1-mile loop
- Pets: yes
- Difficulty: moderate
- Sights: waterfall, pool
If you don’t feel like hiking a big mountain, you can check out the 1-mile loop trail on the South Branch of the Carrabassett River, which is littered with rocks and boulders that create many pools and small falls. (On my map, you can see where I ducked off the trail to check out nice spots along the river.)
The trail is rocky and rooty, and initially descends steeply down to the river, so it’s not as easy walking as the cross-country ski trails or Narrow Gauge Pathway. But for relatively little effort, you can reach the falls and the big pool below. Bring your bathing suits on a hot day!
The trail is unmarked, except at the trail head where there is a sign, but is easy to follow.
From Sam Shirley: Beyond the waterfall, the trail becomes much less used and follows the river for a short bit, before climbing away from the water. It makes a 180 degree turn and starts heading north again, traversing a side-hill slope which is relatively steep in parts. This section of trails has multiple branches off of it which lead to private homes. Glimpses of the Crockers on the other side of the valley are possible through the trees. Eventually, the trail descends back towards the river and meets back up with the main trail near the golf course.
Directions: From the main Access Road to the base of Sugarloaf, turn onto West Mountain Road. Continue about 1.25 miles, almost to the golf course. Before you reach the Sugarloaf Golf Course, you’ll see a trail sign on your left. You can park on the road shoulder, and there is also what looks like a small parking area on the right, across from the trail head.
