Granite Ledges and Wild Blueberries
Blueberry Mountain sits in the Evans Notch section of the White Mountain National Forest, straddling the Maine-New Hampshire border near the small town of Stoneham. At 1,781 feet it is not a big mountain, but what it lacks in elevation it makes up for with wide-open granite ledges that give views far out of proportion to the effort required. The Stone House Trail makes a 3-mile loop over the summit, and the upper half of the mountain is largely exposed rock with low scrubby vegetation and long sightlines in every direction.
The mountain earns its name. In late July and August, the granite ledges are covered in low-bush blueberry plants, and during a good year the berries are thick enough to fill a container without moving from your lunch spot. It is one of those hikes where the destination doubles as a snack bar.
The Stone House Trail
The loop begins at the Stone House trailhead on Route 113 (Evans Notch Road). The trail climbs gradually through mixed hardwood forest for the first half mile, then begins to steepen as it approaches the ledges. The footing transitions from forest floor to exposed granite, and the trees thin out as you gain elevation.
The upper section of the trail crosses broad, open ledge with cairns marking the route. On a clear day, you can see across the Evans Notch valley to the surrounding White Mountain peaks, with Caribou Mountain to the north and the Baldfaces to the south. The views are surprisingly expansive for a mountain under 2,000 feet.
The loop can be hiked in either direction. Going counterclockwise (bearing right at the junction) puts the steeper sections on the ascent, which is generally easier on the knees.
The Brickett Place swimming hole on the Wild River, just a few miles north on Route 113, is a perfect post-hike cooldown spot in summer. The river pools are cold and clean, and the short walk from the road makes it easy to reach even with tired legs.
The Ledges
The granite slabs on the upper mountain are the highlight. They are broad and gently angled, perfect for sitting, snacking, and taking in the view. On a warm afternoon, the rock radiates heat and the blueberry bushes growing in every crack and depression give the whole mountainside a wild, untamed feel.
The ledges face generally south and west, which means they catch afternoon sun and offer good light for photography. In fall, the hardwood forest below turns orange and gold while the ledges stay gray and green, creating a striking contrast.
Late July through mid-August is prime blueberry season on the ledges. Bring a small container and plan to spend extra time at the summit. The berries are small, wild low-bush blueberries with intense flavor. A good year will have the ledges dotted with purple, and you can graze your way across the summit.
Getting There
The Stone House trailhead is on Route 113 (Evans Notch Road) in Stoneham. From Bethel, take Route 2 east and then Route 113 south. The drive from Bethel is about 20 minutes. From Portland, expect roughly 2.25 hours. From Fryeburg, it is about 30 minutes via Route 113.
Note that Route 113 through Evans Notch is closed in winter, typically from late November through mid-May. Check with the Androscoggin Ranger District for current road status.
Parking at the trailhead is a small gravel pulloff that holds about 8 to 10 cars. It rarely fills except on peak fall weekends.
Evans Notch Road (Route 113) is not maintained in winter and closes after the first significant snow. If you are planning a late fall hike, verify the road is still open before driving. There is no alternate access to the Stone House trailhead when the road is closed.
When to Go
Spring
Muddy trails and lingering snow in May. The ledges can be slick. Route 113 may still be closed into May.
Summer
Blueberries ripen in late July. Warm granite ledges. Long days. Can be hot on the exposed rock.
Fall
Foliage views from the ledges are outstanding. Cool hiking weather. Busy on weekends.
Winter
Route 113 is closed. The trailhead is inaccessible by car.
Late July for blueberries, early October for foliage. Both are excellent reasons to make the trip, and the hike itself is short enough to leave time for other activities in the Evans Notch area.
Packing List
Blueberry Mountain Day Hike
- 1.5 liters of water per person
- Snacks (or plan to supplement with blueberries in season)
- Sun protection (the ledges are fully exposed)
- Light windbreaker for the summit
- Sturdy shoes (exposed granite can be slippery when wet)
- Small container for blueberries (July and August)
- Camera
FAQ
How long does the Blueberry Mountain loop take?
Most hikers complete the 3-mile loop in 2 to 2.5 hours, including time on the ledges at the summit. Add extra time if you are picking blueberries.
When are the blueberries ripe?
Wild low-bush blueberries on the ledges typically ripen in late July and are available through mid-August. The exact timing varies by year depending on spring weather.
Is the trail dog friendly?
Yes, dogs are allowed on the trail. The open ledges are easy terrain for dogs, and there is no technical scrambling. Bring water for your dog since there are no reliable water sources on the trail.
Can I hike Blueberry Mountain in winter?
The mountain itself is hikeable with traction, but Route 113 is closed in winter, making the standard trailhead inaccessible by car. Alternative approaches exist but are significantly longer.
Is this in Maine or New Hampshire?
The trailhead is in Stoneham, Maine, and the mountain straddles the state line. The Stone House Trail begins in Maine, and most of the hike is on the Maine side of the border within the White Mountain National Forest.
