Mount Agamenticus - York, York County

Mount Agamenticus in York, the monadnock of southern York County, rising 692 feet above the surrounding low lands near the coast of Maine, is maintained by a collaboration of local, state and non-profit landowners, including The Nature Conservancy, Great Works Regional Land Trust and York Land Trust.

According to its Web site, The Mount Agamenticus Conservation Region consists of more than 10,000 acres and is located within an additional 30,000 acre expanse of conservation land in southern Maine. This land is comprised of a rich and unique coastal forest that supports the highest diversity of animal and plant species in all of Maine.

Trails begin in various locations around the base of the mountain as well as at the summit and range from easy to difficult. For directions and a list of trail descriptions, visit www.agamenticus.org.

Ascent time: Varies.

Notebook:

Historically, the mountain is home to one of three fire towers in York County listed on the National Historic Lookout Register and was once used for various operations, including a ski area.

Rich in history but, most of all, trails, Mount Agamenticus offers a veritable playground for hikers, bikers and equestrians with various levels of experience and, for those reasons - and its spectacular view - is likely the most popular day hike in southern Maine.

It's easy to spend an entire afternoon at the mountain - hiking, biking, horseback riding, picnicking or maybe even flying a kite - and chances are, if you've been here before, you'll come back again. If you've been before and have never ventured to Second Hill, it's worth the hike - or bike. It's about a 45 minute jaunt over varied terrain ranging from easy to moderate from the base of the mountain to the summit of Second Hill.

Before you go, read the rules and regulations, recreation and trail guidelines and check out the trail map.

[Quick-reference guide: Fee - NO | Dogs - YES | Kid-friendly - YES | Facilities - YES]

Bauneg Beg Conservation Area - North Berwick, York County

Bauneg Beg Conservation Area in North Berwick includes 89 acres of deciduous forest land surrounding the 866-foot, three-peaked Bauneg Beg Mountain. The land was acquired by Great Works Regional Land Trust in three parts over the course of seven months in 2000 and 2001.

The main trail begins at a parking area and kiosk on Fox Farm Hill Road between Ford Quint and Hammond roads in North Berwick. (See Map.)

The 0.65-mile trail winds through a deciduous forest, a pine grove and a section of large boulders described as "Devil's Den" before reaching the highest of the three peaks. Trail forks just before the summit with a choice of routes to the top. Easier trail veers to the right.

Rocky outcroppings offer views of nearby Mount Hope, parts of south Sanford and, according to Great Works Regional Land Trust, on a clear day, Mount Washington to the northwest and the Atlantic Ocean to the southeast.

Ascent time: approx. 25 minutes.

Notebook:

A Maine Conservation Corps crew completed construction in June 2008 on a second trail to the summit of Bauneg Beg Mountain. This longer, gentler trail - marked with orange surveyor's tape - begins on Bauneg Beg Hill Road in North Berwick (behind mailbox 274) and continues up the back side of the mountain to the highest peak.

Be sure to go up and down the same trail, unless you want to walk the 1.5 miles - along Bauneg Beg Hill Road, Hammond Road and Fox Farm Hill Road - between the two trailheads.

[Quick-reference guide: Fee - NO | Dogs - YES | Kid-friendly - YES | Facilities - NO]