Merritt Mountain, located in Sebasco Estates, ME, offers a peaceful 2.1-mile loop trail with a moderate level of difficulty. With an elevation gain of 229 feet, the hike provides stunning views of the harbor, all while staying quiet and uncrowded. This trail is perfect for anyone looking for a serene escape in nature, with a scenic walk that is both manageable and rewarding. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a beginner, Merritt Mountain is a great choice for a refreshing outdoor experience. Want to learn more about this trail? Check out the AllTrails map and details here.
Finding the trail was a bit tricky at first since the AllTrails map led us near Sebasco Harbor Resort. Thankfully, we came across another trail map that guided us to a small parking area along Sebasco Rd. There, we discovered helpful trail signs, including QR codes that provided easy access to trail maps. From there, we followed the blue trail to the summit, then connected to the red trail, followed by the yellow trail, and finally looped back to the blue trail to complete the entire hike. The signs and maps made navigating much easier, and we were able to enjoy the whole trail without any confusion.
At the end of April, the trail was still a bit damp and muddy in some spots, but it was easy to avoid. The ground was covered with fallen leaves, and many of the trees were still bare, signaling that Maine was slowly transitioning out of winter. The trail was well-marked with clear signs indicating the direction to the summit, the resort, and nearby trails. The blue trail to the summit was fairly easy and quick, though there weren’t any views of the harbor until reaching the top. However, the setting sun bathed the trail in a beautiful golden hour glow, creating a peaceful and scenic atmosphere as I made my way up.
When we reached the summit, golden hour was in full effect. The sky was painted with stunning shades of blue, orange, and yellow, which shimmered off the calm harbor waters below. The vibrant sky, combined with the lush green trees in the distance, created a picture-perfect view from the top of the mountain. There was a picnic table at the summit, so we sat down, watched the sun slowly dip lower, and soaked in the peaceful moment, enjoying both the breathtaking scenery and the time spent together.
After soaking in the views at the first summit, we continued along the trail, unaware that another summit awaited us further ahead. Had we known, we would’ve taken our time at both spots, but we had to be quick at the second summit to make sure we got back to the car before the sun fully set. Both summits offered stunning views, with each providing its own unique perspective of the surrounding landscape.
We continued along the red, yellow, and blue trails to complete the loop back to the parking lot. As we got closer to the end, both the sky and the trail grew darker. This section had a few more puddles, but they were easy to avoid. We also noticed a few fallen trees, likely the result of winter storms, adding a bit of extra adventure to the hike.
Overall, the hike at Merritt Mountain was a wonderful way to enjoy the outdoors, even if it felt a bit rushed toward the end. The trail offered a peaceful escape with plenty of natural beauty, from the muddy paths of early spring to the stunning harbor views. The summit, bathed in golden hour light, was a perfect spot to reflect and relax before heading back. Although the trail grew darker as we neared the end, it didn’t take away from the experience, and we were grateful for the quiet, uncrowded atmosphere. It was the perfect reminder that sometimes, the best moments are found when you take time to slow down and appreciate what’s around you.
Post-Hike Snacks
After finishing the hike and heading home, we realized we were both tired and hungry, and cooking was the last thing we wanted to do. So, we stopped at Burano’s Pizza in Bath, ME, for a well-deserved dinner and a celebratory beer. At the time, my diet wasn’t as restrictive, so I treated myself to the Burano “Specktacular” pizza, which I highly recommend! Burano’s has a great rotating beer selection, tasty wings, mixed drinks, and a welcoming atmosphere. If you’re ever in the area, definitely make sure to check them out!
Do you have any hiking trails you’d recommend? I’d love to hear your suggestions!
I’d love to hear your recommendations for my next hiking adventure! Feel free to reach out to me through my social media links below or shoot me an email at hellopeaceofmindy@gmail.com. Let’s connect and share trail ideas!
All the photos featured in this blog post were taken by me, unless otherwise noted.