Hikes in Western Maine
Although Mount Katahdin and the peaks within Acadia National Park get all the attention, the less-trafficked Mahoosuc Mountains and surrounding summits also offer challenging adventures and stunning views.
With over 30 miles of trails, the Bigelow Mountain Range in Franklin and Somerset Counties has a variety of trails and summits for different skill levels. Hiking the main peak, a total of 16.3 miles, requires an overnight stay, while Cranberry Peak (9.2 miles) and Avery Peak (7.8 miles) can be completed in a day.
This moderate hike near Weld has two trailheads and various routes up. Loop Trail, which is 1.5 miles, is the most difficult and requires hikers to pass through a narrow opening between large boulders, while Brook Trail offers a slightly longer but more moderate route to the summit, which features a small pond near the top.
At 1.6 miles, this hike in Rumford is great for families and less experienced hikers. The first mile through the woods has hikers walking over a boardwalk before ascending the mountain to see views of the Androscoggin River Valley.
Located in Grafton Notch State Park, Old Speck Mountain has trails for different skill levels. Table Rock Trail is a 2.4-mile loop trail, the Eyebrow is 2.2-mile trail that’s much more difficult, and Old Speck Trail is a challenging 7.6-mile round-trip to the summit.
The two trails leading up Bald Mountain are short—together they’re 2.3 miles—but these moderate hikes offer great views of Rangeley. The mountain is located in Bald Mountain Public Reserved Land, between Rangeley and Mooselookmeguntic Lakes.
These two trails in Woodstock can be explored individually or together to make a 2.4-mile hike. From the summit of Lapham Ledge, hikers will see the quaint Bryant Pond, and Buck’s Ledge offers views of Mount Abram and the Mahoosuc and Presidential Ranges.
Located right near the New Hampshire border, Blueberry Mountain offers clear views of several surrounding mountains. This 2.6-mile hike includes blueberries at the summit and Rattlesnake Pool partway up.