You can support trail maintenance at places like Bald Pate Mountain in Bridgton by Trekking for the Trails.

You can support trails like Peggy’s Pasture Loop at Peabody-Fitch Woods in Bridgton by Trekking for the Trails.

BRIDGTON — Do you enjoy spending time outside in the Lake Region? Have you ever hiked Pleasant Mountain, Bald Pate Mountain, or Pismire Mountain? Maybe you’ve enjoyed the sunset from the top of Hacker’s Hill or a stroll on the new accessible trail at Peabody-Fitch Woods. The one thing these places have in common is that they are owned and managed by Loon Echo Land Trust (LELT), which means that public access to these Lake Region gems is guaranteed forever. And now, with access to the outdoors more important than ever, you can give back to these trails and special places by participating in the 2021 Trek for the Trails, presented by Norway Savings Bank. 100% of the $20 registration fee supports the trails you know and love, the ones you have yet to discover, and helps build new trails.

There are many ways for you and your family to participate in the Trek this year:
1. Visit any LELT trail or preserve throughout the month of September and hike, walk, bike (on select trails) or take in the view from the top of Hacker’s Hill.
2. Take on the challenge of visiting four LELT preserves over the course of the month with the “Trek Passport”.
3. For trail runners, compete for the best time via Strava segment on three routes – one on Pleasant Mountain, Bald Pate, and at Raymond Community Forest to compete for pie (and bragging rights)! Trekkers will have the whole month of September to complete their Trek. Registration is $20/adult, and the Trek is free for youth 16 and under. Registration can be done online at loonecholandtrust.org/trek or by mailing a check to LELT (memo: Trek) at 8 Depot St, Ste 4, Bridgton, ME 04009. Participants may register up until Thursday, September 30. All Trek participants will automatically be entered into a raffle for prizes from local businesses, including a 2021-2022 season pass to Shawnee Peak Ski Area, gift cards from Bridgton Books, original artwork of the Southwest Ridge trail on Pleasant Mountain by Kaylin Cook, Ski Hot Ski Shop Apparel, a two-night stay at Pleasant Mountain Camping, and more.

Trek for the Trails is Loon Echo Land Trust’s largest annual fundraising event. Funds raised from the Trek help Loon Echo steward over 8,500 acres of land and 30+ miles of trail in the Lake Region. LELT’s goal this year is to raise $15,000 – about a quarter of the annual cost to maintain LELT’s trails and preserves, all of which are available to the public year-round and free of charge. The 2021 Trek for the Trails is generously sponsored by Norway Savings Bank, Minuteman Press, Maine Street Graphics, Squeaky Clean Laundromat, Jones & Matthews P.A., Clements Brothers Landscaping, the Good Life Market, and many other local businesses.

Loon Echo Land Trust (LELT) is a donor-supported, non-profit land trust that works to protect the land and natural resources of the northern Sebago Lake region for future generations. For more information on LELT preserves, upcoming events, or how to get involved, visit lelt.org or their Facebook page.