Top 3 Summer Hikes in Western Maine
Western Maine will always have my whole heart. Partially because I was born and raised there and partially because it’s extraordinary. The lakes, rivers, mountains, views, wildlife, camping, pot holes, dirt roads, blah, blah, blah. I could go on and on. Western Maine is just cool—okay? Just take my word for it, or else you might miss out on these 3 stunning hikes. Go ahead. Add them to your secret little hiking checklist you made years ago, you little hiker extraordinaire. I’ve never been more proud.
Trail Name: Old Speck Trail
Location: Newry, Maine
Distance: 7.6 miles
Elevation gain: 2847 ft
Difficulty: Hard
Pets: Allowed
Old speck
First up is Old Speck, which is located in Grafton Notch State Park in Newry Maine. Coming from Bethel, the good-sized parking lot will be on the left side of route 26, well marked by state park signs. You really can’t miss it. This trail has a nice gradual climb and features two picturesque waterfalls as well as a fire tower that provides fantastic 360 degree views of Western Maine and Eastern New Hampshire. I wouldn’t exactly consider this trail family-friendly, but I have seen young children successfully make it to the fire tower!
In the summer, it’s definitely worthwhile to add the Speck Pond Loop onto your hike. This loop features a beautiful pond for swimming as well as a shelter for camping overnight. We’re actually planning an overnight backpacking trip this summer that will involve staying in this shelter and i’m so excited. I can’t wait to eat ramen noodles in a tent on top of one of my favorite mountains!
To read more about hiking Old Speck, click here.
Trail Name: Bald Mountain & Speckled Mountain
Location: Bryant Pond, Maine
Distance: 4.2 miles
Elevation gain: 1532 ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Pets: Allowed
2. Bald and Speckled Mountain
Bald and Speckled Mountain are located in Western Maine, past numerous farms and down several dirt roads. I would recommend using either the AllTrails app or using page 10 of your handy Maine atlas to find the parking lot. The first 0.5 mile of the trail resembles (or could be?) an ATV trail. While following the blue blazes, the terrain will gradually become more difficult until summiting Bald Mountain. The summit of Bald Mountain provides nice views of surrounding mountains and ponds. It’s also a great spot for an overnight camping trip with kids.
The terrain between Bald Mountain and Speckled Mountain goes up and down quite a bit before coming to a steep ascent that brings you to another lookout, followed by the summit of Speckled Mountain. The summit is such a treasure. It offers panoramic views of mountains and lakes in Western Maine and beyond, such as: Whitecap, Old Speck, Baldpate, Tumbledown, Concord Pond, Mount Zircon, Richardson Lake, Mount Abrahm, Sunday River, etc. It offers a unique perspective of Western Maine that all hikers can appreciate.
To read more about hiking Bald and Speckled Mountain, click here.
Trail Name: Puzzle Mountain
Location: Newry, Maine
Distance: 6.5 miles
Elevation gain: 2339 ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Pets: Allowed
3. Puzzle Mountain
Okay, I saved the best for last. Seriously though. Puzzle Mountain is by far my favorite hike in Western Maine. The trailhead can be found 4.7 miles from where you turn onto route 26 from route 2 going West towards Grafton Notch State Park. The trail starts with a gradual incline, which becomes more and more steep while passing caves and scenic lookouts along the way. The last mile is above the tree line, which provides some great views. But, of course, none of the views compare to the view from the summit, which showcases Grafton Notch, Sunday River, the white mountains, Western Maine, and beyond. It’s breathtaking.
After hiking, be sure to stop by Puzzle Mountain Bakery to get some dessert for the car ride home. Or pack yourself a fancy cheese board and some delicious wine to enjoy at any of the various waterfalls in Grafton Notch State Park afterwards. You really can’t go wrong with Screw Auger Falls, Step Falls, or Mother Walker Falls. Kids (and kids at heart) will love them all.
To read more about hiking Puzzle Mountain, click here.
Last but not least—don’t forget to plan ahead for your hiking trip, especially if you're hiking somewhere new. Weather can change on a dime in the summer in Maine, so it’s important to pack for a variety of scenarios. Always have plenty of food and water, a headlamp, extra clothes, a first aid kit, and always always ALWAYS have a turn around time. Happy hiking, friends!
