Hiking Bald Mountain Trail in Washington Twp Maine
Name: Bald Mountain Trail
Location: Washington Township, Maine
Distance: 2.0 miles (roundtrip)
Terrain: Dirt floor, rocky ledges.
Elevation gain: 1,312 ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Pets: Allowed
Bald Mountain is one of Maine’s most rewarding short hikes, with sweeping views that make the effort to reach the summit worthwhile. The trail winds through quiet forest before opening to rocky ledges, which provide almost 360-degree views of beautiful Western Maine mountains and lakes on a clear day.
In this blog post, I will share everything you need to know before hiking Bald Mountain—including how to access the trailhead, parking information, trail descriptions, the best time to visit, and my favorite nearby eats.
Preparation for Bald Mountain Trail
Check the weather forecast to ensure safe conditions
Research trail information and conditions
Pack all the hiking essentials, such as water, snacks, and a basic first-aid kit
Wear season-appropriate footwear and clothing
Click here to learn more about what to pack for a Maine hike
Directions + parking for Bald Mountain Trail
The trailhead is located off Route-156 in Wilton. About 5 miles south from the intersection of Center Hill Road and Church Street in Weld and about 8 miles north from the intersection of Main Street and Weld Road in Wilton.
There is no parking lot. Hikers must park on the side of the road. This trail isn’t usually busy so limited parking shouldn’t be a problem.
Bald Mountain trail descriptions
The Bald Mountain Trail (2.0 miles, moderate)
The ascent up bald mountain is mostly a straight up incline—there’s really no other way to put it. Due to the steepness, we stopped quite a bit to rest, but it took us roughly 45 minutes to summit.
About one-tenth of a mile from the top, the main trail brings you to some rungs where you can either rock climb or go around. When we hiked, the rungs were covered with ice, so we opted to take the alternate trail. You’ll see bright red signs that say alternate trail and have an arrow pointing where you need to go.
The Summit of Bald Mountain
The summit provides stunning views of Mt. Blue, Tumbledown, Little Jackson, etc. One of my favorite things about winter hiking is the silence and solitude it provides. There are few better feelings than having a mountain all to yourself.
Insider tips for visiting Bald Mountain
Best nearby eats: Calzolaio Pasta Co and The Kawanhee Inn
After hiking, cool off with a swim at the Mount Blue State Park day use area.
The best time to visit: October for peak foliage.
There is spotty cell phone service in weld, so be sure to share your hiking plans with loved ones or bring a satellite communication device with you so you can let alert someone when you have summited and when you have made it back to your car.
Leave no trace
When it comes to enjoying time outdoors, remember the golden rule: Leave No Trace. It’s as simple as picking up after yourself, staying on the trails, and leaving nature just as beautiful as you found it. By practicing Leave No Trace, you help preserve the magic of Maine for future adventurers to enjoy, so everyone can keep enjoying the same beautiful, wild world we love.
Interested in more Maine hiking information and tips? You can find them all here.
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With love,
My Maine
