Mt Agamenticus by Patrice Hunt
Thanks to persistent work by a coalition of conservation groups and governmental entities, wildlife and human visitors can enjoy in perpetuity more than 9,500 acres of protected land on and around “Mount A,” a 691-foot monadnock that rises from the coastal plains of southern York County.
The Agamenticus area holds the greatest species diversity in Maine and helps to safeguard the water supply of an increasingly populous area. The mountain has long been popular among York County residents for picnicking, day hikes, and birdwatching (particularly witnessing annual hawk migrations).
Work to protect this important ecological haven, the largest intact coastal forest between Acadia National Park and the New Jersey Pine Barrens, began in 1978. The Town of York purchased 300 acres on the summit to forestall further development after the failure of a ski resort. A decade later, local citizens submitted their first proposal to the LMF Program and since then the LMF board — working in concert with The Nature Conservancy, York Land Trust, Great Works Regional Land Trust, and other nonprofit and governmental partners — has helped fund protection of more than a dozen parcels on and around Mt. Agamenticus. The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife now manages much of these lands to preserve their wildlife value and scenic qualities while promoting responsible recreational use.
The initial projects inspired an expanded initiative in which ten groups worked to conserve lands stretching from Mt. Agamenticus to the wildlife-rich marshlands and uplands by the York River, Brave Boat Harbor, and Gerrish Island.
The Big A trail is a one-mile universal access trail located on Mount Agamenticus Conservation Region. It winds around the summit and takes visitors through the shrublands and around the fields, with 360-degree views of the mountains and the coast. It is approximately eight feet wide and is made up of crushed gravel. The trail provides stunning views of the Presidential Range, and visitors can see parts of York, Ogunquit, Wells, and Kennebunkport from the trail as well. Additionally, there are other trails that are accessible from the summit parking lot that visitors can explore. Dogs are allowed, if leashed.
Closest Town
York
Activities
Accessible trail, bird & other wildlife watching, hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, dog walking (on leash), horseback riding, hunting, fishing, mountain biking, and snowmobiling
Region
Southern Maine – York, Cumberland
Acres
2700
Directions from nearest town
Turn onto Mountain Road (a right turn if you are coming from the north and a left turn if you are arriving from the south), follow Mountain Road for a mile, and there should be a gravel parking lot on the right and a paved road taking you to summit with the sign “Mount a Summit.” To access the Big A trail, turn right and drive up the summit.
