The Nature Conservancy owns and manages the 995-acre Mount Tom Preserve in Fryeburg.

The 995-acre Mount Tom Preserve in Fryeburg protects some 3,500 feet of frontage on the upper Saco River, a stretch that is home to one of the largest silver maple and red maple floodplains in Maine. Owned and managed by The Nature Conservancy, the property also encompasses a sizeable chunk of the west, south, and east slopes of Mount Tom, which rises to 1,073 feet and overlooks the scenic Saco River.

Hike the West Ridge Trail to Mount Tom’s impressive summit ledges, where you’ll enjoy fine views eastward across the Saco River valley to the long, bumpy ridgeline of Pleasant Mountain and several ski runs of the Pleasant Mountain Ski Area.

Mount Tom tops out at an elevation 1,073 feet and offers great views from its summit ledges

Descend the mountain via the Old Mount Tom Trail, a former carriage road built in the 1800s to serve guests of the hotel that once operated below on Menotomy Road. Saunter back along the quiet road to complete this most enjoyable and moderate 4.4-mile loop.

Saco River Brewing is located just up the road (U.S. Route 302) from Mount Tom in the shadow of the beloved granite dome known as the Jockey Cap. An old sheet-metal fabrication shop houses the brewery and taproom, which, along with the outdoor beer garden and the adjacent pole barn, offers a comfortable, chill atmosphere for the melting pot of loyal locals and visiting soon-to-be Saco River beer lovers.

Clearwater Pale Ale is the delicious flagship brew of Saco River Brewing.

Saco River Brewing’s logo features a canoe and paddle, nodding to the beautiful, meandering river that forms the region’s natural backbone. Drinkability is what you’ll find on the balanced “that was delicious, I want to have another” menu of Saco River brews.

Clearwater Pale Ale is the flagship and the original beer that, with occasional tweaking, has been satisfying thirsty folks since the brewery was established a decade ago. Bonus points: Visit the new Saco River Brewing Taphaus in nearby North Conway, N.H.; same great brews, and a delish selection of pizzas, sandwiches, salads, and much more.

Saco River Brewing’s taproom is a comfy place to hang out and enjoy a brew or two.

RESOURCES

The Nature Conservancy – Maine Chapter

Saco River Brewing

Saco River Brewing Taphaus

Carey Kish of Mount Desert Island is a Triple Crown hiker, avid beer drinker, and author of Beer Hiking New England, Best Day Hikes Along the Maine Coast, and the Maine Mountain Guide.