BRIDGTON – Join Loon Echo Land Trust for its annual sunrise hike up Bald Pate Mountain in South Bridgton on Thursday, March 20. The early-morning vernal equinox hike is a great way to welcome the season; you won’t want to miss it. In the past, hikers have been treated to spectacular views of the sun peeking over Rattlesnake Mountain.

Wear appropriate warm clothing and boots; bring water, snacks, a headlamp and snowshoes. Get up early and meet Loon Echo Stewardship Manager Jon Evans at 6 a.m. in the Bald Pate Mountain parking lot on Route 107 in South Bridgton. Sunrise is at 6:47 a.m. This moderate hike will include a 300-foot elevation gain and take approximately two hours round-trip. Hot cocoa and snacks will be offered after the hike.

Loon Echo Land Trust protects land in the northern Sebago Lake region of Maine. Its mission is to conserve the area’s natural resources and character for current and future generations. Loon Echo protects more than 5,900 acres of land, and Bald Pate Mountain Preserve is one of seven preserves that are open to the public.

All Loon Echo hikes are free; however, donations are always welcome and will qualify you for a one-year membership. Learn more about Loon Echo by visiting www.loonecholandtrust.org. For more information about this hike, other Loon Echo events, or to reserve snowshoes, contact Jon Evans at jon@lelt.org or call 647-4352.

Sunrise from the summit of Bald Pate Mountain.