1-minute hike: Sanders Hill in Rome

Difficulty: Moderate. The 2.9-mile loop travels up and along the ridge of Sanders Hill, which reaches its highest point at 854 feet above sea level.The trail is well-marked with blue blazes and signs.

How to get there: From the intersection of Route 27 and Route 225 in Rome, Maine, drive 1.1 mile north of Route 27 and take a left onto Watson Pond Road. Drive about 1.3 miles and the small parking area for the trail will be on your right, marked with a blue Kennebec Highlands sign.

Information:Sanders Hill a part of the Kennebec Highlands, which at 6,500 acres is the largest contiguous block of conserved land in central Maine. Rising 854 feet above sea level, Sanders Hill is located just west of the undeveloped Watson Pond and is surrounded by peaks of similar height.

The Sanders Hill Loop hiking trail is 2.9 miles long and can be hiked in either direction, according to the Belgrade Regional Conservation Alliance, which manages the land in partnership with the Maine Department of Conservation.

To hike the loop counterclockwise, start at the north side of the parking area (if you face away from the road, it will be on your right-hand side). Follow the blue blazes into the forest. At about 0.2 miles, youll come to a boulder with a ladder leaning up against it. If you climb the ladder to the top of the boulder, youll be greeted with nice views from the south end of Watson Pond.

The trail crosses the inflow for Watson Pond and makes several twists and turns. Make sure to always follow the blue blazes to avoid getting lost on side trails, old logging roads and paths made by resident wildlife.

The trail gradually climbs the Sanders Hill. As you climb higher, the hill will drop off on your right. The trail descends a bit before leading to the first outlook of the hike Watson Pond, Mount Phillip and French Mountain, partially obscured by trees. After that, the trail will climb to the sparsely wooded summit area, where you can enjoy partial views to the east and south through the trees, approximately 1.1 miles into the hike. There is no summit sign, but the top of the hill is fairly evident because after it, the trail starts to descend.

At 1.3 miles, the trail meets the Kennebec Highlands Trail. Turn left (south) and follow the broad gravel trail, lined with birch trees. At 1.9 miles, just before a bridge over Beaver Brook, turn left and follow the blue blazes into the woods on a narrower trail. This part of the loop travels through a beautiful mixed forest and past a large boulder called Snapper Rock, according to the Belgrade Regional Conservation Alliance. The trail then swings north and meets an old logging road, the final leg of the hike. Turn right and follow the old road back to the parking area.

The trail is free for the public to use year round, but visitors should note that the Kennebec Highlands Trail (which the loop follows for a short distance) is a multi-use trail allowing snowmobile use in the winter. Dogs are permitted but should be under control of their owners. Pack in, pack out (including dog waste).

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1-minute hike: Sanders Hill in Rome