BigNews | Great Pond Mountain Conservation Trust https://www.greatpondtrust.org Conserving land, water, and wildlife habitat in Hancock County, Maine. Fri, 14 Aug 2026 20:28:52 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0.4 https://www.greatpondtrust.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/cropped-GPMCTfavicon-32x32.jpg BigNews | Great Pond Mountain Conservation Trust https://www.greatpondtrust.org 32 32 Wildlands Summer 2026 https://www.greatpondtrust.org/2026/08/wildlands-summer-2026/ Fri, 14 Aug 2026 20:28:48 +0000 https://www.greatpondtrust.org/?p=16306
Hothole Valley on an August morning, from Great Pond Mountain’s South Overlook

Hothole Valley on an August morning, from Great Pond Mountain’s South Overlook
  Photo: Isaac Bray

TRAIL UPDATES

  • Another way to reach the summit. Have you tried the new Mountain Brook Trail? It connects the Dead River Trailhead to the Stuart Gross Trail, the main route up Great Pond Mountain. This new trail is open to hikers and mountain bikers and offers a quieter, safer alternative to walking or riding on Don Fish Road. It also makes it easier to reach the Connector and Capstone Trails

Getting there: From the Dead River Trailhead, walk about 1/5 mile to find the trail entrance on the right.

Mountain Brook Trail Map
  • Camping in the Wildlands: Tent camping is available by reservation at three designated campsites for individuals and small groups. Visit greatpondtrust.org for campsite details and reservations.
  • Can I do this here? Please know before you go. Review our Activities, Access and Map page.

  • Please! keep your dogs on leash everywhere in the Wildlands. Unleashed dogs impact other visitors, ground-nesting birds, small mammals, and other wildlife, and are at risk of porcupine encounters. Dogs are not allowed in biodiversity zones (see map). Please clean up pet waste and bring bags home with you.

  • No parking on Don Fish Road. If the Mountain Trailhead lot is full, please drive back down the hill to the Dead River Trailhead, where there is more parking.

Please enjoy the Wildlands safely and with respect for the land, its inhabitants, and each other. Thank you!

Support the Wildlands

Mountain Brook Trail Map

As you enjoy the trails this summer, we hope you’ll consider supporting the work that makes these experiences possible. Our Annual Summer Appeal is underway, helping us maintain trails and roads, improve access, protect watersheds, and keep 5,400 acres of forest open to the public. If you’re already a GPMCT supporter, please consider renewing your support or becoming a recurring donor. You can donate through our secure website at greatpondtrust.org, with options to give annually, twice a year, quarterly, or monthly. If you’re not yet a supporter, please consider becoming one.

Donate Today

GPMCT is a small nonprofit organization that relies on volunteers. Please support our work by donating to the “iron rangers” (green metal posts with a slot in the top — or newly painted in bright colors) every time you visit and consider making a recurring or one-time gift to Great Pond Mountain Conservation Trust. Thank you.

GPMCT is a small nonprofit organization that relies on volunteers. Please support our work by donating to the “iron rangers” (green metal posts with a slot in the top — or newly painted in bright colors) every time you visit and consider making a recurring or one-time gift to Great Pond Mountain Conservation Trust. Thank you.

]]> Wildlands Spring 2026 https://www.greatpondtrust.org/2026/05/wildlands-spring/ Sat, 30 May 2026 12:21:57 +0000 https://www.greatpondtrust.org/?p=16178
View from Summit

TRAIL UPDATES

Please enjoy the Wildlands safely and with respect for the land, it inhabitants, and each other. Thank you!

Recent changes/updates in the Wildlands: 

  • Mountain bike trail closures may be in effect depending on how wet the ground is. Please ride only when your tires don’t make tracks

Please respect trail signs and do not take bicycles to the summit.

GPMCT is a small nonprofit organization that relies on volunteers. Please support our work by donating to the “iron rangers” (green metal posts with a slot in the top) every time you visit and consider making a recurring or one-time gift to Great Pond Mountain Conservation Trust. Thank you.

Download current Wildlands map here.

]]> Wildlands Winter 2026 https://www.greatpondtrust.org/2025/11/wildlands-fall-2025-2/ Thu, 20 Nov 2025 17:27:15 +0000 https://www.greatpondtrust.org/?p=14072
View from Summit

TRAIL UPDATES

Please enjoy the Wildlands safely and with respect for the land, it inhabitants, and each other. Thank you!

Recent changes/updates in the Wildlands: 

  • Timber stand improvement is going on along Valley Road
  • Parts of the Stuart Gross trail to the Great Pond Mountain summit have icy in spots on cold mornings
  • Mountain bike trail closures may be in effect depending on how wet the ground is. Please ride only when your tires don’t make tracks

Please respect trail signs and do not take bicycles to the summit.

GPMCT is a small nonprofit organization that relies on volunteers. Please support our work by donating to the “iron rangers” (green metal posts with a slot in the top) every time you visit and consider making a recurring or one-time gift to Great Pond Mountain Conservation Trust. Thank you.

Download current Wildlands map here.

]]> Wildlands Summer 2025 https://www.greatpondtrust.org/2025/06/wildlands-summer-2025/ Wed, 25 Jun 2025 22:58:50 +0000 https://www.greatpondtrust.org/?p=15365
View from Summit

 Taking a break after the long uphill.

TRAIL UPDATES

  • Please! keep your dogs on leash everywhere in the Wildlands. Unleashed dogs impact other visitors, ground nesting birds, small mammals and other wildlife, and are at risk of porcupine encounters. 
  • Dogs are not allowed in biodiversity zones (see map)
  • Picnic trail is completed, but not yet signed.
  • If you are parking at the Mountain Trailhead, please don’t park along the road. If there is no room in the lot, drive back down the hill to the Dead River Trailhead, where there is more parking.

GPMCT is a small nonprofit organization that relies on volunteers. Please support our work by donating to the “iron rangers” (green metal posts with a slot in the top — or newly painted in bright colors) every time you visit and consider making a recurring or one-time gift to Great Pond Mountain Conservation Trust. Thank you.

]]> Wildlands Spring 2025 https://www.greatpondtrust.org/2025/04/wildlands-spring-2025/ Wed, 16 Apr 2025 15:32:59 +0000 https://www.greatpondtrust.org/?p=15212
View from Summit

Salix discolor in the Baker Brook wetland complex

TRAIL UPDATES

  • Please! keep your dogs on leash everywhere in the Wildlands. Unleashed dogs impact other visitors, ground nesting birds, small mammals and other wildlife, and are at risk of porcupine encounters. 
  • Dogs are not allowed in biodiversity zones (see map)
  • Picnic trail is completed, but not yet signed.
  • Stuart Gross Trail and other trails are icy on cold mornings; wearing ice cleats is recommended.
  • The yellow gate at the beginning of the gravel road, immediately after the Hatchery may be closed at times. This means the road is dangerous or will be damaged by vehicles. Please do not open the gate! Park at the Hatchery and walk in.

GPMCT is a small nonprofit organization that relies on volunteers. Please support our work by donating to the “iron rangers” (green metal posts with a slot in the top) every time you visit and consider making a recurring or one-time gift to Great Pond Mountain Conservation Trust. Thank you.

]]> Wildlands Winter 2025 https://www.greatpondtrust.org/2025/01/wildlands-winter-25/ Wed, 15 Jan 2025 19:44:21 +0000 https://www.greatpondtrust.org/?p=15011
View from Summit

Land Manager Malcolm commuting to work. Hothole Pond & Mountain

 

TRAIL UPDATES

  • Please! keep your dogs on leash everywhere in the Wildlands. We’ve had two visitors bitten recently. Unleashed dogs impact other visitors, ground nesting birds, small mammals and other wildlife, and are at risk of porcupine encounters. 
  • Dogs are not allowed in biodiversity zones (see map)
  • Picnic trail is completed, but not yet signed.
  • Stuart Gross Trail and other trails are often icy; wearing ice cleats is recommended.
  • The yellow gate at the beginning of the gravel road, immediately after the Hatchery may be closed at times. This means the road is dangerous or will be damaged by vehicles. Please do not open the gate! Park at the Hatchery and walk in.

GPMCT is a small nonprofit organization that relies on volunteers. Please support our work by donating to the “iron rangers” (green metal posts with a slot in the top) every time you visit and consider making a recurring or one-time gift to Great Pond Mountain Conservation Trust. Thank you.

]]> Wildlands Winter 24-25 https://www.greatpondtrust.org/2024/12/wildlands-winter-24-25/ Tue, 10 Dec 2024 17:37:26 +0000 https://www.greatpondtrust.org/?p=14945
View from Summit

Roger in his best protective coloring, on Great Pond Mountain

 

 

TRAIL UPDATES

  • Please! keep your dogs on leash everywhere in the Wildlands. We’ve had two visitors bitten recently. Unleashed dogs impact other visitors, ground nesting birds and other wildlife, and are at risk of porcupine encounters. 
  • Dogs are not allowed in biodiversity zones (see map)
  • Picnic trail is under construction.
  • Stuart Gross Trail and other trails are often icy; wearing ice cleats is recommended.
  • The yellow gate at the beginning of the gravel road, immediately after the Hatchery may be closed at times. This means the road is dangerous or will be damaged by vehicles. Please do not open the gate! Park at the Hatchery and walk in.

GPMCT is a small nonprofit organization that relies on volunteers. Please support our work by donating to the “iron rangers” (green metal posts with a slot in the top) every time you visit and consider making a recurring or one-time gift to Great Pond Mountain Conservation Trust. Thank you.

]]> Wildlands Fall 2024 https://www.greatpondtrust.org/2024/09/wildlands-fall-2024/ Fri, 20 Sep 2024 23:23:46 +0000 https://www.greatpondtrust.org/?p=14732
View from Summit

Supermoon rising above West Penobscot Bay, low tide. Great Pond Mountain on the left.

TRAIL UPDATES

  • Please! keep your dogs on leash everywhere in the Wildlands. We’ve had two visitors bitten recently. Unleashed dogs impact other visitors, ground nesting birds and other wildlife, and are at risk of porcupine encounters. 
  • Dogs are not allowed in biodiversity zones (see map).
  • The South Trailhead gate will be open for passenger cars to drive in as far as the Hillside trail on Sundays  from July 7, 2024 through October 27, 2024. The gate will be open from 7 AM to 6 PM. Please be sure to make it out before gate closing. The speed limit is 15 MPH on the Valley Road. Please be alert to hikers and cyclists.
  • Picnic trail is under construction.
  • Please respect trail signs and do not take bicycles to the summit.

Enjoy the Wildlands safely, with respect for the land, it inhabitants, and each other.

GPMCT is a small nonprofit organization that relies on volunteers. Please support our work by donating to the “iron rangers” (green metal posts with a slot in the top) every time you visit and consider making a recurring or one-time gift to Great Pond Mountain Conservation Trust. Thank you.

]]> Wildlands Summer 2024 https://www.greatpondtrust.org/2024/07/wildlands-summer-2024/ Mon, 01 Jul 2024 14:04:02 +0000 https://www.greatpondtrust.org/?p=14502
View from Summit

Wyatt and Seth Astbury are happy about the enlarged parking lot at the North Trailhead.

 

TRAIL UPDATES

  • Please keep your dogs on leash everywhere in the Wildlands. Unleashed dogs impact other visitors, ground nesting birds and other wildlife, and are at risk of porcupine encounters.
  • Dogs are not allowed in biodiversity zones (see map).
  • The South Trailhead gate will be open for passenger cars to drive in as far as the Hillside trail on Sundays  from July 7, 2024 through October 27, 2024. The gate will be open from 7 AM to 6 PM. Please be sure to make it out before gate closing. The speed limit is 15 MPH on the Valley Road. Please be alert to hikers and cyclists.
  • Picnic trail is open, but under construction.
  • Please respect trail signs and do not take bicycles to the summit.

Enjoy the Wildlands safely, with respect for the land, it inhabitants, and each other.

GPMCT is a small nonprofit organization that relies on volunteers. Please support our work by donating to the “iron rangers” (green metal posts with a slot in the top) every time you visit and consider making a recurring or one-time gift to Great Pond Mountain Conservation Trust. Thank you.

]]> Wildlands Spring 2024 https://www.greatpondtrust.org/2024/04/wildlands-spring-2024/ Tue, 09 Apr 2024 13:33:10 +0000 https://www.greatpondtrust.org/?p=14288
View from Summit

TRAIL UPDATES

Please enjoy the Wildlands safely and with respect for the land, it inhabitants, and each other. Thank you!

Recent changes/updates in the Wildlands: 

  • Winter timber stand improvement is ongoing along Valley Road and in the Dead River area.
  • Parts of the Stuart Gross trail to the Great Pond Mountain summit have been re-routed to avoid wet/icy parts of the old jeep trail. However, there are still icy in spots on cold mornings.
  • Mountain bike trail closures may be in effect. The newest section of Capstone is still closed and other sections may be closed depending on how wet the ground is. Please observe the “closed” signs.

Please respect trail signs and do not take bicycles to the summit.

GPMCT is a small nonprofit organization that relies on volunteers. Please support our work by donating to the “iron rangers” (green metal posts with a slot in the top) every time you visit and consider making a recurring or one-time gift to Great Pond Mountain Conservation Trust. Thank you.

Download current Wildlands map here.

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