Merritt Mountain, hidden quietly in Sebasco Estates, ME, feels like a secret waiting to be discovered. The 2.1-mile loop trail offers a moderate challenge, with just enough of an elevation gain (229 feet) to get your heart pumping but not overwhelm you. It’s the kind of hike where you don’t feel rushed—the pace is yours to set. This trail doesn’t boast grand peaks or dramatic vistas, but what it does offer is something far more precious: a peaceful retreat into nature. The reward? Stunning views of the harbor that unfold slowly as you walk, inviting you to pause, breathe, and truly take it all in. It’s a quiet escape, one that doesn’t demand much but offers everything in return. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or someone simply craving a gentle adventure, Merritt Mountain has a way of showing you exactly what you need in the moment.
Finding the trailhead took a bit of patience. The AllTrails map led us close to Sebasco Harbor Resort, but after a bit of searching, we finally spotted a small parking area along Sebasco Road, tucked away from the main buzz. Trail signs stood tall, offering clear directions—the kind that bring a comforting sense of reassurance. QR codes on the signs made accessing the trail maps easy, which felt like a small but necessary win after our initial confusion. From there, the path was well-marked, guiding us effortlessly: we started on the blue trail to the summit, then flowed into the red and yellow trails before looping back to blue. With such clear markers, we could let go of the small worries about getting lost and instead immerse ourselves in the simplicity of the hike.
Being late April, the trail still carried the remnants of winter—damp earth, scattered puddles, and patches of mud that were easy enough to step around. A thick layer of fallen leaves covered the ground, their edges curling with the weight of seasons past, while the trees stood mostly bare, patiently waiting for spring to take hold. Maine was still in that in-between phase, not quite free from winter’s grasp but beginning to stir awake.
Despite the muted colors, there was a quiet beauty in the stillness. The blue trail led us upward at a steady pace, the golden afternoon light filtering through the branches in soft, dappled patterns. There were no sweeping harbor views just yet, but the simple rhythm of moving through the woods, the hush of the breeze, and the promise of what lay ahead made the climb feel just right.
Reaching the summit at golden hour felt like stepping into a painting. The sky glowed in deep blues, oranges, and yellows, reflecting off the harbor’s still From the summit, the harbor stretched out before us, its calm waters shimmering under the afternoon light. The distant treetops framed the view in deep greens, their contrast making the scene even more breathtaking. A lone picnic table sat at the peak, an open invitation to pause, sit, and simply exist in the moment. We settled in, letting the hush of the landscape wrap around us, breathing in the salty air, the quiet, the beauty of being exactly where we were.
Just as we were about to head back, we noticed another summit ahead—one we hadn’t realized was part of the trail. If we had known earlier, we would have lingered at both, stretching out the experience just a little longer. But with daylight slipping away, we pressed on, catching one last stunning glimpse of the harbor before beginning our descent.
The path wound gently downward, leading us along the red, yellow, and blue trails toward the parking lot. The last light of the day filtered through the trees, casting long, soft shadows across the landscape. A few fallen trees and lingering puddles from winter storms added an extra touch of adventure to the final stretch, a quiet reminder of the seasons shifting around us. By the time we reached the car, dusk had fully settled in, wrapping the trail in stillness, bringing our journey to a peaceful close.
Reflections from the Trail
Merritt Mountain may not have been the most challenging or well-known hike, but it carried its own quiet magic—the kind that sneaks up on you in the stillness of the woods or in the way golden light filters through bare branches. It was a reminder that beauty doesn’t have to be grand to be meaningful, and that sometimes, the smallest moments—a pause at a picnic table, the discovery of an unexpected second summit, the hush of twilight settling over the trees—are the ones that stay with you the longest.
This hike felt like an invitation to slow down, to embrace the journey as much as the destination. The harbor views were stunning, yes, but the true reward was in the simplicity of the experience—the feel of soft earth beneath our boots, the crisp spring air filling our lungs, the sense of quiet contentment that followed us all the way down.
Not every trail is about pushing limits or chasing epic views. Some are about presence. And this one? It was exactly what it needed to be.
Post-Hike Bites & Brews
After hours on the trail, exhaustion settled in—along with the kind of hunger that only a good hike can bring. Cooking was out of the question, so we made a spontaneous stop at Burano’s Pizza in Bath, ME, chasing the promise of a well-earned meal and a celebratory beer. The moment we stepped inside, we knew we had made the right choice. The cozy, laid-back atmosphere wrapped around us like a welcome invitation to kick back, relax, and relive the highlights of the hike over good food and drinks.
At the time, my diet wasn’t as restrictive, so I went all in on the Burano “Specktacular” pizza—an indulgence that was every bit as satisfying as the name promised. The crust had that perfect crispness, the flavors were bold and layered, and each bite felt like a well-earned reward for the miles we had put behind us. Burano’s also boasts a great rotating beer selection, flavorful wings, and even mixed drinks for those in the mood for something different.
Sitting there, legs pleasantly sore, sipping a cold beer as laughter and conversation filled the space, I was reminded of how much I love these post-hike moments—the simple joy of good company, great food, and the lingering feeling of accomplishment from a day spent outdoors. If you ever find yourself in Bath after a long trek, do yourself a favor—skip the cooking and head straight to Burano’s. Some meals just taste better after an adventure.
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.
