The Postcard Mountain of Western Maine
Mount Blue is the cone-shaped summit you see from Route 142 north of Wilton, dominating the horizon over Webb Lake. The mountain is so symmetrical that early surveyors used it as a triangulation reference, and it became the centerpiece of Mount Blue State Park, the largest state park in Maine.
The hike to the summit is one of the most popular in Western Maine. From the trailhead at Center Hill, the path climbs 1,750 feet in 1.6 miles — relentlessly steep, mostly on rocks and roots, ending in a short scramble to the open summit and a restored fire tower.
The Trail
This is a short, hard hike. The official Mount Blue Trail leaves the Center Hill parking area, climbs gently for the first quarter mile, then turns up the cone and stays steep for almost the entire remaining 1.4 miles.
The footing varies between rocky scrambles and rooty stair-steps. There are few flat sections to catch your breath. Trail crews have installed wooden steps and stone work in the steepest gullies, which helps.
The summit clears the trees about 200 feet below the top, and the final ridge walk to the fire tower is in the open with views in three directions before you even climb the steel.
The Mount Blue fire tower was restored in 2009 and the cab is open to hikers. The metal ladder is steep but railed. From the cab you get a 360-degree view that includes the Bigelow Range to the north, Tumbledown directly across the valley, and Webb Lake spread out below. Worth the climb.
The View
From the open summit and the fire tower cab, the panorama covers:
- North: The Bigelow Range, with Avery Peak and West Peak clearly visible
- East: Mount Abraham, Sugarloaf in the distance
- South: Webb Lake immediately below, with Tumbledown Mountain rising directly across the lake
- West: White Mountains in clear weather
This is one of the best summit views in the state for the elevation.
Pair Mount Blue with Tumbledown for a two-day Western Mountains weekend. They face each other across Webb Lake and the views from each include the other peak. Mount Blue State Park has a campground at Webb Beach you can use as a base.
Mount Blue State Park
The trailhead sits inside Mount Blue State Park, Maine’s largest state park at over 8,000 acres. The park has two main areas: the Center Hill area (where the Mount Blue trailhead is, with the Center Hill nature trail and a small picnic area) and the Webb Beach area, about 10 miles west along Route 142, which has the main campground, swim beach, and boat launch on Webb Lake.
A standard Maine state park entry fee applies at both areas during the season.
When to Go
Spring
Park gates open mid-May. Trail can be muddy and have lingering ice on the upper sections through May.
Summer
Hot and exposed near the summit. Black flies in early June. Bring water — the upper trail has no source.
Fall
Late September and early October peak foliage from the summit. Cool temps, fewer bugs, and the longest views of the year.
Winter
Park gate closes after Columbus Day. Trail is open for snowshoeing but you must walk in from the gate, adding miles.
Getting There
From Portland, take Route 4 north through Farmington to Wilton, then Route 142 north for about 14 miles to Weld. Follow signs for Center Hill — the parking area is on Center Hill Road, about 0.5 miles off Route 142. From Bangor, the most direct route runs Route 2 west to Skowhegan, then Route 27 / Route 142 — figure 2.5 hours.
Weld has a small general store. The closest grocery and gas options are in Farmington (30 minutes south) or Rangeley (1 hour west).
FAQ
How long does Mount Blue take to hike?
Most hikers take 2.5 to 3.5 hours round-trip. The trail is short (3.2 miles) but consistently steep, so it climbs slower than the mileage suggests.
Is the fire tower open?
Yes. The tower was restored in 2009 and the cab is accessible to hikers via a steel ladder during the open season.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes, on a leash. Mount Blue State Park is generally dog-friendly. Some hikers report difficulty with dogs on the steepest scramble sections — use judgment.
Is there camping at the trailhead?
Not at the Center Hill area. The Mount Blue State Park campground is at Webb Beach, about 10 miles west on Route 142. Reserve in advance for summer weekends.
How does Mount Blue compare to Tumbledown?
Mount Blue is steeper but shorter, with a fire tower summit. Tumbledown is longer with a famous summit pond and chimney scramble. Both are roughly equivalent in difficulty and view quality.
