The Jockey Cap Project

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Introduction

USVLT is partnering with the Town of Fryeburg to protect the beloved Jockey Cap property. At only 15.6 acres in size, Jockey Cap is small but mighty: it contains rare pitch pine habitat, popular hiking trails and rock climbing routes, and most notably, a large granite dome that offers sweeping views to the White Mountains.

A Beloved Community Destination

Jockey Cap is located in the downtown village center of Fryeburg, Maine. It is already a popular destination for both locals and visitors seeking a beginner-friendly hike to the 610’ foot summit. Jockey Cap’s cliffs offer some of the most unique rock climbing in Maine and the boulder garden below is enjoyed by rock climbers for its high quality bouldering problems.

Jockey Cap is also used as an outdoor classroom by students and teachers at many local schools. The property contains about 6 acres of rare pitch pine woodlands as well as scrub oak and early succession mixed hardwood forest.

The Jockey Cap property has pre- and post-colonial historical significance. There is a memorial to arctic explorer Admiral Robert Peary at the summit, and Molly Ockett, likely the last member of the Pequawket Tribe (western Wabanaki confederacy) to live locally, is rumored to have resided onsite in “Molly Ockett’s Cave.” Jockey Cap was home to Maine’s first rope tow for skiing, which was in operation from 1936-1938.

The Project

Because the Town of Fryeburg held a 50% ownership interest in the property, the town was unable to invest in this wonderful community asset for many years.

The Jockey Cap Project is being completed in three phases:

Phase I - USVLT purchased the 50% ownership interest in the Jockey Cap property from a private landowner. Completed October 13, 2021.
Phase II - USVLT transferred its 50% ownership interest in the Jockey Cap property to the Town of Fryeburg subject to a conservation easement to preserve public access for low impact recreation and to protect its rare natural resources. Completed October 1, 2024.
Phase III - Investment in significant improvements to the Jockey Cap property. To date, these include a welcoming trailhead, parking lot and connector trail. An information kiosk is planned and work on improving hiking trails and access to Jockey Cap's climbing area is scheduled to start in June 2025.

This acquisition and conservation easement project will ensure that the Town can work with USVLT and other partners to give Jockey Cap the love it deserves. Planned future improvement projects include creating a welcoming trailhead with a parking lot, bike parking, and information kiosk, erosion control, many trail projects, and more.

Funding Phase I & Phase II

USVLT and the Town of Fryeburg completed fundraising for Phase I, the acquisition of the Jockey Cap property from the private landowner, and Phase II, the transfer of the property from USVLT to the town. Support was provided by:

Land for Maine's Future Program
Maine Land and Water Conservation Fund
Clarence E. Mulford Trust
Kendal C. and Anna Ham Foundation
Maine Community Foundation
Saco River Brewing

Funding Phase III

Fundraising for Phase III is ongoing. Support to date has been provided by:

Maine Recreational Trails Program
Clarence E. Mulford Trust
Saco River Brewing

We are still short of our fundraising goal for Phase III. If you are interested in helping us achieve these goals, head over to usvlt.org/donate

Jockey Cap in the News

Oct 24, 2022, Portland Press Herald: Hiking in Maine: Land trust seeks to preserve popular trails in Fryeburg

Oct 17, 2022 ABC News, Channel 8: Maine brewery, land trust team up to protect Fryeburg's Jockey Cap

Sept 11, 2022 Portland Press Herald: Breweries lend a hand to conservation and land-protection efforts

Fall 2022 Vibe Magazine: Partners in conservation join forces to preserve the Valley's climbing areas

Summer 2022 Vibe Magazine: New Life on its way for Fryeburg's Historic Jockey Cap

Sept 16, 2022 Conway Daily Sun: Ed Parsons: Preserving Jockey Cap

Sep 13, 2022 Conway Daily Sun: Sales of Jockey Cap IPA to benefit USVLT

June 14, 2022 Conway Daily Sun: Grant program awards Fryeburg $138k for Jockey Cap

May 18, 2022 Conway Daily Sun: Fryeburg official bullish on Jockey Cap deal

May 13, 2022 Conway Daily Sun: USVLT, Fryeburg to host Jockey Cap Jockey Cap tour Thursday

April 26, 2021: Conway Daily Sun: Jockey Cap to appear on Fryeburg town warrant

Directions

Directions, a trail map, and more details are available at Maine Trail Finder.

From Fryeburg’s village downtown, travel east on US-302/Bridgton Road. Turn left into the parking lot shortly after the Dollar General. There is ample room to park and a trail entrance sign.