French Mountain Trail

This is a relatively easy loop trail ascending to the top of French Mountain with several great lookouts along a short ridgeline providing fantastic views of Long Pond, Great Pond, Belgrade Lakes Village, and the surrounding mountains.
Trail Activity
Walking
Length
0.80 miles, Loop
Difficulty
Easy
Town
Rome
Surface
Dirt/Forest Floor
Pets
Permitted
Fees
No

Description

The French Mountain Trail is a loop trail and can be followed in either direction; clockwise is described here.

The trail heads east from the parking area and soon splits at the trail information kiosk. Stay left for a more direct path to the summit. After a short climb, the trail swings south and ascends the ridge of French Mountain (716') to reach a rocky precipice with stunning views of Long Pond. As the trail opens up near the summit, the first views are of tiny Whittier Pond to the east, Mount Phillip to the northeast, and Long Pond to the southeast. The trail continues along open rocks above steep cliffs to a viewpoint overlooking the northern end of Long Pond. From here you can also see Great Pond, The Mountain, and Belgrade Lakes Village.

Just south of the summit overlook, the trail turns west into the woods and descends several switchbacks before turning north and gradually descending through woods, back to the junction and parking area.

Other Information

Obtained in 1990, French Mountain (716') was the first parcel of land acquired by Belgrade Regional Conservation Alliance (BRCA), then the Watson Pond Conservation Trust, now the 7 Lakes Alliance.

Trail Manager

Visit the 7 Lakes Alliance online for more information or contact:

7 Lakes Alliance

7 Lakes Alliance
PO Box 250
Belgrade Lakes, ME 04918
Phone: (207) 495-6039
info@7lakesalliance.org
View website

Nearby Events

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Trail Tips

Leave What You Find
Respect natural resources, cultural and historic items, and wildlife by looking rather than touching.
Legend
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Trailhead Information

The trailhead is off Watson Pond Road, which leaves from the west side of ME Route 27 about a mile north of the intersection of ME Routes 27 and 225 in Rome. Continue down Watson Pond road 0.7 miles from ME route 27 and look for a paved pullout for parking on the eastern (left) side of the road.

Click on a parking icon to get custom directions
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mainedato
April 23, 2022
Very Pleasant Easy Trail.
Wow, the nice views.
Enjoyed the company of a pit/bluetick mix who was running loose around the trail. He just hung out and was super friendly. He eventually wandered off. He had no id tag on his collar but was well fed and cared for by someone? Hope he made it home.. wherever that is??
kimpye
September 20, 2014
Quick hike with some excellent views
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