Our Family loves to go hiking when the air gets crisp and the leaves start to change! Eagles bluff is an easy to moderate hike found in Clifton depending on how you go about it.Billy being local to the Milford, Eddington, Clifton area knew exactly where this was. However, funny story, our freshman year in college a dear friend and I went in search of this beauty. We got lost in Enfield( a few wrong turns in the opposite direction). However, with proper guidance and support ( wink wink) you can make it in one piece with the directions provided below. As you can see when the leaves change it is a great view , although a lot of webpages have stated there have been car break-ins and to not leave valuables in your car! Lucky for us we have a toddler trashed car that we'd be lucky to find anything valuable in ( as well as a car alarm for the Curious George and Daniel Tigers Neighborhood Soundtacks). There is a relatively steep trail to the summit, however there is also an easier trail around the base of the cliffs that can be walked with little ones.
Just a friendly reminder, when hiking, make sure to follow orange and blue markers ( they are marked for a reason). Also, make sure everyone has proper footwear. I have been hiking with friends in the past that don't make a habit of it and have worn new shoes or street shoes. I suggest cross trainer sneakers, hiking shoes or boots (in the summer we wear our Keen sandals). I also suggest a carrier if you have toddlers we use our Ergo with our two year old, she usually sleeps post summit ( on our way down).Also, this time of year watch out for the acorns. The average hike to the summit takes about an hour without our toddlers, but you can spend much longer exploring the trails or taking breaks as the case may be. To reach the summit, take the first trail on your left after the "posted"gated road (driving South on Route 180) and bear left. When you come to another intersection, bear left again. If you prefer to hike a loop around the cliffs ( which is suggested for the very young child in the group), which also has great outlooks, then veer right. Some trails intersect and there is no signage. I would plan 4 hours even though it is estimated an hour by yourself. Also, the overly cautious mother in me is about to come out ... don't forget a first aid kit, lots of water and back-up supplies. I know it's just a small tiny hike, but better safe than sorry :)
Just a friendly reminder, when hiking, make sure to follow orange and blue markers ( they are marked for a reason). Also, make sure everyone has proper footwear. I have been hiking with friends in the past that don't make a habit of it and have worn new shoes or street shoes. I suggest cross trainer sneakers, hiking shoes or boots (in the summer we wear our Keen sandals). I also suggest a carrier if you have toddlers we use our Ergo with our two year old, she usually sleeps post summit ( on our way down).Also, this time of year watch out for the acorns. The average hike to the summit takes about an hour without our toddlers, but you can spend much longer exploring the trails or taking breaks as the case may be. To reach the summit, take the first trail on your left after the "posted"gated road (driving South on Route 180) and bear left. When you come to another intersection, bear left again. If you prefer to hike a loop around the cliffs ( which is suggested for the very young child in the group), which also has great outlooks, then veer right. Some trails intersect and there is no signage. I would plan 4 hours even though it is estimated an hour by yourself. Also, the overly cautious mother in me is about to come out ... don't forget a first aid kit, lots of water and back-up supplies. I know it's just a small tiny hike, but better safe than sorry :)
How do you get there? Great question that I can answer! At the intersection of Route 9 and Route 180 in Clifton, Maine, turn onto Route 180 and drive 2.5 miles until you see three unmarked trailheads on the left. The trailheads should begin right after a gated dirt drive. If you reach Springy Pond Road, a dirt road on your right, you’ve driven a few hundred feet too far. Happy and safe hiking everyone!
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