Douglas Mountain, the highest of the Saddleback hills near Sebago, is the third in a recent trio of Lakes Region hikes, preceded by Bald Pate Mountain and Holt Pond Preserve, all of which are in close proximity (I did the three hikes in a single day, so they are eminently achievable day hikes). I hiked Douglas Mountain (1,416 ft) in Sebago in June 2018, via the Eagle Scout, Nature Loop, and Ledges Trails (2.3 miles, approximately one hour). This is a hike we’ve done several times as a family. These trails, part of the 169 acre Douglas Mountain Preserve, are maintained by the town of Sebago, which has a trail map and guide on its site. As usual, the AMC Maine Mountain Guide has a great description. A fee of $3 is payable at a kiosk in the parking area.
The climb is a pleasant walk through the woods on a well-traveled path, with streams and beautiful trees. On the Nature Loop, you can start to get a sense of height from the ledges, but for the most part, the foliage hides the horizon and longer views until you reach the summit. As for Nature on the Loop, there were many mourning doves, plenty of wild blueberry plants, and innumerable chipmunks and red squirrels, who seemed suspiciously acclimated to humans.
The summit’s stone tower allows for panoramic views, and a pictorial display helps to identify which peaks, lakes, and points of terrain you are able to see on a clear day.
A steep descent down the Ledges Trail can be slippery in wet weather, so use caution in selecting your route. The last .4 miles or so back to the parking lot is reached by walking along Douglas Mountain and Ledges Roads, past beautiful houses. This route to the summit is substantially shorter than the Eagle Scout Trail, and would be a short, challenging scramble for younger hikers.
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Hiking in Maine 
I had to laugh when you mentioned the red squirrels looking for a handout! No doubt that’s the case. However in a different time, someone hiking the trail may have viewed them as a tasty dinner! 😉
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Went up to Douglas Mountain today and was totally DISGUSTED at what has happened along the road leading up to parking area. A logging company is CLEAR CUTTING all of the beautiful tall pines and going deep into the forest . I asked a town worker what was going on he said they were cutting trees to allow them to do ditch work! I said, you had to take all those trees way off the road just to make ditches. He said well you don’t have to plow this Road I do. I talked to someone who lives on the road and they are also disgusted. I recommend everyone go see it and call anyone who you know who can who may be able to stop this horrible act. Our family loved hiking this area and it’s beauty is GONE
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