Did you know…
Use Camp Pondicherry In Bridgton as your base for your troop’s next outing and explore the many amazing places that are in the area! Just remember to check Safety Activity Checkpoints and follow all GSME policies.
Hiking, Walking Trails, and Scenic Sites
Pleasant Mountain, Denmark, ME
Pleasant Mountain is the tallest mountain in southern Maine, reaching over 2,000 feet. With a 10.5 mile network of trails, the mountain offers a wide range of trail options. Home of Shawnee Peak ski area. More information
Holt Pond Preserve, Bridgton, ME
Less than 3 miles away, this preserve was created to educate people on wetlands. It encompasses 400 acres, and is home to a variety of wildlife, such as sub-tropical birds, beavers, moose, and various fish. The trail travels through mixed forests and swampland, as well as rivers and bog areas. The trail consists of easy terrain across the forest floor, and established boardwalks. More information
Hawk Mountain, Waterford, ME
A moderate-grade 0.7 mile trail which leads to an open summit. The summit features broad cliffs and a panoramic view – great for picnics and birdwatching – containing Pleasant Mountain. More information
Blueberry Mountain, Stoneham, ME
Within Evans Notch in the White Mountain National Forest is Blueberry Mountain, with a short 3.9 mile trail even small children can enjoy. If you get hot along the way, there is a small side trail along the Blueberry Mountain path that leads to Rattlesnake Pond, great for a cooling dip.
More information
Pondicherry Park, Bridgton, ME
Just 5 miles from Camp Pondicherry, the park features 66 acres of woodlands and streams in the heart of Bridgton. A network of easy woodchip and forest floor paths lead through areas containing many signs of notable wildlife. More information
Jockey Cap, Fryeburg, ME
Only half an hour away from the campsite is Jockey Cap Rock found in Fryeburg Maine. This feature hosts a short trail to the top of the rock, with an expansive view of the surrounding area. Jockey Cap is also popular with rock climbers who prefer a different route to the top.
More information
Mount Tom, Fryeburg, ME
Mount Tom Trail is about 2.4 miles long and is a relatively easy hike with a 570 feet elevation gain. The trail head can be found on Menotomy Road in Fryeburg. More information
Diana’s Baths, Bartlett, NH
This is a gentle hike at a New Hampshire State Park, with plenty of opportunity to cool off in the swirling pools and small waterfalls of Diana’s Baths. It is highly recommended that you bring a bathing suit if you plan on getting in the water. More information
Deer Hill Mineral Collecting Area, Chatham, ME ~ 50 min away
Hike the local trails in the White Mountain National Forest in the Deer Hill area or collect your own Amethyst in the mineral collecting area. A permit is required, but it is free and easy to obtain at the trailhead. For further information, visit the official website for the area.
Snow Falls, West Paris, ME
The falls can be seen from the road, and a short walk allows for closer views of the falls. The falls feature plunges and cascades, with a total drop of 25’. Due to icing conditions, the falls are best viewed between April and November. More information
Sabattus Mountain, Lovell, ME
A 1.4 mile loop leads through the 1253 summit, which offers spectacular views of both the White Mountains, and the Kezar Lake Region. The trail traverses mostly through a low-grade mixed growth forest, with portions of moderate climbs over rocks and exposed roots. The trail is open from sunrise to sunset. Use caution during firearms season, as the land is available for use to hunters. More information
Bald Pate Mountain Preserve, Bridgton, ME
The preserve contains 486 acres of forest, meadows, granite-topped scenic vistas, and an ancient pine pitch forest atop its summit. There is a network of 6.7 miles of trails, offering a wide variety of recreational opportunities, such as hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. Trail difficulty ranges from easy to moderate. More information
Douglas Mountain, Sebago, ME
Douglas Mountain hosts a 1.8 mile loop trail, rated at a moderate level due to the steepness of the trail. At the summit, you have spectacular views of Sebago Lake from the stone tower. More information
Kayaking, Canoeing, and Boating
Five Kezar Ponds, Waterford, ME
These large ponds are a great way to introduce girls to kayaking/canoeing in a flat and easy environment. The ponds are a haven for local beavers, who leave evidence of their homes along the pond edges, as well as a multitude of marshland shrubs, and fish species. Just down the road from Five Kezar Ponds is Kezar Falls Gorge, which a small waterfall just a short walk from the road, with areas to explore around the local gorge.
The Songo River Queen II ~ 16 min away
Weekend day cruises are offered from May 26 to July 1, and from September 8 to October 8. Explore Long Lake on the easy moving Songo River Queen II, an exact replica of the famous Mississippi River Paddle Wheelers. See Cruise times and themes
The Saco River, North Conway, NH
There are many opportunities for kayak or canoe rental along the Saco River. North Conway, about half an hour from camp, has the Saco Canoe Rental Company. They can be reached at 603-447-4275.
Long Lake, Bridgton & Naples, ME
Sebago Kayak Company offers kayaks and paddle boards for those who wish to explore Long Lake, located about 10 minutes from Pondicherry. They can be reached at 207-935-4763. Dingley’s Wharf also offers rentals for a myriad of water activities. They can be reached at 207-693-5253. Sportshaus Ski & Sport in Bridgton, Maine, offers kayak rentals and delivery to multiple locations, not just Long Lake.
See offers
Museums and Historic Sites
Narramissic Historic Farms, Bridgton, ME
View what Maine was like on the eve of the Civil War with this historic site, built in 1797. The house is open for tours Tuesday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. until August 15. After the 15th, tours can be made by appointment. It is strongly recommended that the Bridgton Historical Society be contacted prior to your visit. The Bridgton Historical Society can be reached at 207-647-3699.
Rufus Porter Museum ~ 10 min away
Explore the life and times of Rufus Porter (1792 – 1884), an inventor, writer, scientist, artist, and all around Renaissance man who left his mark on Maine and beyond. More information
Poland Spring Preservation Society ~ 35 min away
Visit historical buildings such as the Maine State Building from the 1893 Worlds Fair, All Souls Chapel, art gallery and more in Poland, ME. These buildings hold history and beauty that can be investigated further at More information
Mount Washington Observatory Weather Discovery Center ~ 46 min away
An interactive science museum perfect for all ages, located in North Conway, NH, near Mount Washington. Tour times, admission fees, and further information
Conway Scenic Railroad ~ 46 min away
Enjoy a scenic train ride on the historic Notch Train or Valley Train, departing from North Conway. See routes
Maine Mineral and Gem Museum ~ 50 min away
Learn about the geology, rocks, and gemstones of Maine at the informative museum found in Bethel, ME. More information
Fun Outings
Sweet William’s Maple Syrup, Casco, ME
Sweet Williams offers a “show and tell” of the syrup making process, as well as sugarbush tours. They offer free samples of syrup on ice cream, homemade fried dough bites, and maple baked beans. All manner of maple is for sale – maple butter, cotton candy, lollipops, popcorn and more. Advanced notice should be given by calling 207-627-7362.
Five Fields Farm, Bridgton, ME
This orchard grows seven kinds of apples available for picking. Apple varieties and availability can be found by calling the farm at 207-647-2425 or through email at fivefields@roadrunner.com. For more information about their cross-country skiing, see Five Fields Farm under Skiing.
Maine Wildlife Park ~ 40 min away
Discover wildlife up close and enjoy the wide variety of events this park has to offer. The park is open mid-April through November 11 every year, and is host to dozens of native wildlife found in Maine, including black bears, cougars, foxes, eagles, and more! More information
Thompson’s Orchard, New Gloucester, ME ~ 45 min away
Thompson’s Orchard, located in New Gloucester, offers multiple events throughout the year. Pick you own apples during the season, or taste delicious pies and ciders in the orchard store. To keep up with the orchard and find out more about their events, check out the orchard’s facebook page.
Cranmore Mountain Resort, North Conway, NH
While primarily a ski resort, Cranmore Mountain hosts a wide variety of summer activities. From scenic chairlift rides and zip lines, to mountain coasters and summer tubing, there is no shortage of things to do here.
More information
Festivals & Fairs
Festival of Lights ~ 10 min away
Light up the town of Bridgton during the Festival of Lights, usually in early December. This event offers a tree lighting ceremony, parade, and a visit from Santa Claus himself. More information
Greater Bridgton Lakes Region Winter Carnival ~ 10 min away
Held in mid-February. Snow sports, magic, fireworks, and fun can be found in Bridgton during their annual winter carnival. This all day festival offers multiple events. See events
Fryeburg Fair ~30 min away
About half an hour from Camp Pondicherry, visit the Fryeburg Fair in late September to early October. The state’s largest agricultural fair, it includes multiple events throughout the week, with a full schedule.
See schedule
Maine Craft Weekend ~ 1 hour away
In October, Turner, ME, hosts the Maine Craft Weekend. Check the schedule for dates. Try your hand at spinning, knitting, charcuterie making, and more. Explore the work of Maine’s craftspeople and artists. More information
Skiing
Shawnee Peak, Bridgton, ME
Just 15 minutes from camp, Shawnee Peak is the closest, and largest, mountain for skiing adventures. They have 250 acres, containing over 40 trails. See current ski conditions and trail openings
Five Fields Farm, Bridgton, ME
This orchard is turned into a cross-country skiing location in the winter. Ski rentals of all sizes are available, as well as snowshoe rentals. Loops around the orchard total 27 km, which include both groomed and ungroomed trails. Ski conditions can be found by calling the farm at 207-647-2425 or through email at fivefields@roadrunner.com.
More information
King Pine, Madison, NH
A family friendly ski area, with trails catered towards beginner and intermediate level skiers. A wide variety of ticket options are available, including weekday discounts, and partial day tickets. More information
Lost Valley, Auburn, ME
A small ski area with 45 acres of skiable terrain, of which 40% of trails are beginner level. This ski area focuses on family and beginner skiing, with all trails leading to the same base location, to reduce accidents and group separation. More information
Cranmore Mountain Resort, North Conway, NH
Cranmore Mountain is host to many ski trails of varying difficulty, less than an hour from camp. There are multiple ticketing and rental options. With 56 trails spread over 170 acres, there is plenty for the avid or beginner skier. More information
