Brrrr, what a snap to the air already! Must be fall. Time to climb a mountain. A fantastic choice is Sabattus Mountain in Lovell. The view from the summit alone is worth the trip.

On a recent weekend, my husband and I decided to take a drive, with a climb as our objective. We picked up submarine sandwiches in Norway and drove west. The weather was perfect with a blue sky dotted with a few clouds. The temperature was comfortable enough for us to hike in short sleeves. I started with a jacket but quickly shed it. Be sure to bring an extra layer along, though, because the breeze at the top can be brisk. There is flat open space at the summit to spread out for a picnic.

We saw many people at this popular spot. It’s a good hike for families and seniors. We asked everyone we met coming down how they enjoyed the top. They all mentioned the gorgeous view.

We took our time enjoying the discovery of many kinds of mushrooms, and taking pictures along the way. Our climb took about an hour each way, with an additional hour at the top. The more athletic among you will be able to shave time from that.

Plan to linger because the view is really spectacular. We could see five ponds or lakes, the ski trails of Pleasant Mountain, and the distant peaks of the White Mountains to the west, and the city of Portland to the east.

Sabattus Mountain trail is a loop trail. There is an iffy wooden plank bridge at the beginning, but this is not an appropriate indication of the rest of the trail, which is mostly in good condition. Not long after the loop begins, there is a sign showing that you could go left or right. Note that we took the loop counterclockwise. There are well-marked blazes to follow. The trail is not wide and at times becomes quite narrow, particularly on the path back down. The trail is at times over roots and is somewhat steep. I was glad for my hiking stick.

Although we came after an evening flash rainstorm, the trail is hard-packed and was not muddy. Our day offered a lot of sunshine, but the forest canopy filtered the sunlight. When the rays dapple through, the ferns and mosses look so pretty and green.

A fellow hiker described the trail ahead as having a steep section then leveling off, followed by another steep part. The first steep stretch is pocked with rocks and is a long gradual climb, the second is over ledge but shorter. When the trail forms a fork, take the left branch. The right branch is a dead-end. The top is .. Wow! Climbing to the lower peak, you will find a 180-degree view and a memorial bench where you can sit to take it all in. You can see forever. Almost. Do be careful, especially with youngsters, because there is a sheer drop-off. Take time to enjoy a picnic or snack and, of course, the view.

Back across the summit we headed down the mountain past the huge quartz ledge jutting off the edge. This is quite spectacular and well worth a visit. The quartz sparkled in the sunlight. This is an added bonus to hiking Sabattus Mountain. Where else can you see a quartz of this size? Great photo opportunity, too. After passing the quartz, the trail turns inland and narrows more. We found this half of the loop to be overall steeper, possibly shorter, and with more peeks of the peaks between the trees. There is a wonderful open space within a hemlock grove.

We noticed different habitats along the way, from mixed hardwoods to a hemlock grove and a section of young pine growing beside the trail that I nicknamed Baby Pine Alley. The trees looked as though they had been planted neatly in rows, but we decided that seeds must have washed down the incline, possibly after the Ice Storm of ’98 because the age of the saplings looked about right. According to the Maine Gazetteer, the trail is 1½ miles long, gaining an elevation of 600 feet, and is a “short, easy climb.”

The route we took to Lovell takes you right by the Maine signpost showing mileage to the various country-named towns. The sign is in Lynchville, at the intersection of Routes 5 and 35. Great spot to jump out for a photo.

Keep your eyes open for wildlife. We spotted two wild turkeys and a turkey vulture during our adventure.

Getting there: Take your favorite road to South Paris, then take Route 117 west through Norway. At Norway Lake, Route 117 heads south, but you will continue straight west on Route 118 through North Waterford. When the road ends, turn left onto Route 35 to Lynchville, then right on Route 5 south, at the intersection where Route 35 and 5 north turn off to the right and north. Stay on Route 5 through North Lovell, to Center Lovell.

There is good signage. Watch for the sign to Sabattus Mountain on the right, pointing out the Sabattus Mountain Road on the left. The road will bear to the left and a gravel road, the Sabattus Trail Road, continues straight. Take the gravel road for seven-tenths of a mile to the parking area indicated. There is a Maine Department of Conservation sign in the parking area. The trailhead is easy to spot.

Edith Churchill is a freelance writer living in Auburn who frequently takes day trips with her family.