The source of the Saco River is sparkling Saco Lake at the summit of Crawford Notch high in New Hampshire’s White Mountains. The river tumbles out of the heights and becomes a wide, winding and mostly placid flow as it crosses into Maine at Fryeburg. That’s where it passes just west of the granite dome of Jockey Cap on the outskirts of the village proper.

Jockey Cap is one of the most climbed little mountains in Maine, with a big bang for the buck, so to speak, similar in nature to Bradbury Mountain but with a broader, bolder vista. It is the latest conservation project of the Upper Saco Valley Land Trust, which over its 22-year history has protected over 13,000 acres in the watershed on both sides of the state line.

For as long as anyone can remember, an informal network of footpaths has existed on the south slope of Jockey Cap. Scamper up through the piney woods, and in 15 minutes you’ll emerge onto the wide open summit bedrock for a grand view of mountains and hills, forests and fields, and rivers and ponds that will literally knock your hiking socks off.

The Upper Saco Valley Land Trust is working with the Town of Fryeburg and other supporters to permanently protect and preserve access to the 16 acres at Jockey Cap, which features not only well-loved hiking trails but rare pitch pine habitat and steep walls, impossible overhangs and huge boulders popular with technical rock climbers.

“After the purchase is complete, USVLT will then transfer ownership to the town, while we will hold the conservation easement,” said Abby King, USVLT’s conservation director. “We’re still actively fundraising, but we’re 95% there. Then we’ve got to do a survey, appraisal and environmental analysis, and develop the easement language that protects the property.”

Future plans call for constructing a new trailhead parking lot a quarter-mile east on U.S. Route 302. Up to now, the owners of Quinn’s Jockey Cap Country Store have graciously provided two designated spaces for public use, so the expanded parking will be welcome. There will be a new kiosk, bike parking and a roadside sign so people can more easily find the place.

Abby King, conservation director for the Upper Saco Valley Land Trust, says “we’re 95% there” in regards to fundraising efforts to preserve access to 16 acres at Jockey Cap in Fryeburg. Carey Kish photo

“We also plan to redesign the trail network to make it easier to follow, add new signage and blazing, and rebuild and reinforce the trails, some of which are heavily eroded,” King said. “We’re also talking about creating a 1-mile loop trail, too, so there’s lots of work to do. It’s great that the town will finally be able to invest in the property and enhance its value to the community.”

In the meantime, make a trip to Jockey Cap, spend some quality time on its rocky top and envision all the good things to come at this special spot. While you’re in the neighborhood, among the many supportive businesses you’ll want to visit is Saco River Brewing directly across from the trailhead. The brewery is donating proceeds from the sale of its limited release Jockey Cap IPA to the land trust effort.

Upper Saco Valley Land Trust has hiking trails on a number of its other properties in the region, including Leita Monroe Lucas Preserve, Pequawket Pond Preserve, Pine Hill Community Forest and Ware Preserve. The Town of Fryeburg also hosts a pleasant 4-mile segment of the Mountain Division Trail worth checking out. So come take a hike, catch some late season foliage and enjoy a good beer for a good cause to boot.

Carey Kish of Mount Desert Island is an award winning member of the Outdoor Writers Association of America. His latest book, “Beer Hiking New England,” will be out late in the winter. Follow more of Carey’s adventures on Facebook and Instagram @careykish

Related Stories