Bradbury Mountain State Park
A Family-Friendly Adventure in Southern Maine
A short, family-friendly hike leads to Bradbury Mountain’s summit, offering sweeping views of southern Maine’s forests and fields. Easy, accessible, and rewarding, it’s a perfect introduction to hiking with kids.
About the Park
Bradbury Mountain State Park, located in Pownal, Maine, is one of the state’s original five state parks and remains a local favorite for year-round recreation. Covering nearly 800 acres, the park offers a mix of gentle wooded trails, open picnic areas, and scenic overlooks that make it a welcoming destination for families, casual hikers, and nature lovers.
Managed by the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands, Bradbury is open year-round and has facilities for hiking, biking, horseback riding, picnicking, and even winter activities like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
The Short Hike to the Viewpoint
One of the biggest draws of Bradbury Mountain is its summit trail which is a short, family-friendly hike that leads to an expansive viewpoint. The walk to the top is less than half a mile and climbs gradually, making it accessible for kids and beginner hikers.
At the summit, a wide granite ledge opens to panoramic views of southern Maine’s forests and fields, with autumn foliage adding bursts of red, orange, and gold. On especially clear days, you can see all the way to Casco Bay and even Mount Washington in New Hampshire. It’s a payoff that feels big, even though the hike is short and manageable.
Close to Portland and Freeport
Bradbury Mountain State Park is just 30 minutes from Portland and 10 minutes from Freeport, making it one of the most convenient places to escape into nature without a long trip. Its easy access means you can plan a half-day outing, perfect for families with younger children who may not want to tackle longer trails.
Where to Eat Near Bradbury
After your hike, there are several great places to grab a bite within a short drive:
Freeport Village – Just 10 minutes away, Freeport is filled with restaurants, coffee shops, and treats (don’t miss Wicked Whoopies for Maine’s famous whoopie pies).
Picnic lovers can also bring their own food and enjoy it at one of Bradbury’s picnic tables under the tall pines.
Where to Stay
Local private homes - Find a cozy home perfect for the whole family
Harraseeket Inn, Freeport - historic inn with charm, restaurant, indoor pool & suites
Hilton Garden Inn Freeport Downtown - well located; mentions proximity to Bradbury Mountain
Holiday Inn Portland By The Bay - waterfront location, comfortable rooms, indoor pool, and a walkable route to many Portland attractions
Why It’s Great for Kids
Bradbury is one of the best family hiking destinations in Maine because of its:
Short, easy trails that lead to rewarding views
Wide-open summit ledges where kids can explore safely with supervision
Variety of trails for different ages and abilities
Nearby attractions like Freeport’s shops and parks for a full day out
It’s a place where children can get their first taste of hiking and feel the accomplishment of reaching a “mountain top” without the challenges of Maine’s bigger peaks.