Enjoy a nice hike or run up and down Pleasant Mountain this Saturday, and help conservation efforts in the Lake Region area at the same time.

It’s time for the 19th annual Loon Echo Trek, presented by Norway Savings Bank.

The Loon Echo Trek has been the largest annual fundraiser for Loon Echo Land Trust since 2001. For the first 17 years, the Trek was a cycling and hiking event. In 2018, the Trek changed to focus on hiking and running on the beloved Pleasant Mountain Preserve. 

Trek particulars:

When: Saturday, Sept. 14

Start Hike/Run: Anytime between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. Shuttles run every 25 minutes.

Where: Shawnee Peak/Pleasant Mountain, Bridgton

What: The six-mile hike from Denmark to Bridgton starts with a shuttle bus ride from Shawnee Peak Ski Area to the Southwest Ridge trailhead. Trekkers cross over the ridgeline of Pleasant Mountain, passing three rest stops (with snacks!) and finishing down the slopes to the Shawnee Peak ski area base lodge.

Trail Race: 10K (ish) run along the same route as the hikers. There will be no mass start, but runners will be timed, with prizes awarded to the top male and female runners in each category! Categories are based on age: 18–39, 40–60, and 60-plus.

All Trekkers are greeted at the end with food, beer, and prizes for running times, fundraising, and just being there!

Food and Beer: From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Shawnee Peak Base Lodge. 

Website: www.loon echolandtrust.org

Race fee: Day of registration is $65 per adult and $50 per youth. All proceeds from the Trek support LELT conservation work in the Lake Region.

Trekkers can choose to raise money for Loon Echo Land Trust to support their Trek across Pleasant Mountain. All money raised will support Loon Echo Land Trust. Trekkers who raise $250 will receive a free day-pass to Shawnee Peak Ski Area. Top fundraisers will be eligible for other great prizes including a season’s pass to Shawnee Peak Ski Area! Please note, fundraising is encouraged, but not required for participation. Trekkers can download the 2019 Trek Pledge Form to get started.

Are pets allowed? While pets are allowed on LELT trails, owners are requested to leave their pets at home for this event.