Two Parks in One
Mount Blue State Park is the largest state park in Maine, covering approximately 8,000 acres in the town of Weld in Franklin County. The park is split into two distinct sections separated by Webb Lake, and they feel like entirely different places. The western section has the campground, the swimming beach, and Webb Lake itself. The eastern section has Mount Blue, the summit trail, and the Center Hill picnic area with its auto road.
Webb Lake sits in the middle of it all, a clean, spring-fed lake surrounded by forested hills. The combination of lake swimming, mountain hiking, and a large campground in a relatively uncrowded part of western Maine makes Mount Blue one of the better-kept secrets in the state park system.
Webb Lake and the Campground
The Webb Beach campground has 136 wooded sites a short walk from a sandy beach on Webb Lake. Sites have fire rings and picnic tables. The campground has hot showers, a bathhouse, a dump station, and a nature center. There are no hookups, but the sites are spaced well apart in the trees, and most feel private.
The swimming beach is the heart of the day-use area. The sand extends into the shallow end of Webb Lake, and the water is clear and warm enough for comfortable swimming by mid-July. A roped-off swimming area keeps boats at a distance. Behind the beach, picnic tables and grassy areas spread under the shade of mature trees. It is a good family beach with a gentle entry and room to spread out.
A paved boat launch provides access to Webb Lake for motorized and non-motorized boats. Kayaking and canoeing on the lake are excellent, with forested shoreline on all sides and Mount Blue rising above the eastern shore. Fishing for bass, perch, and pickerel is popular. The lake also holds brown trout.
Mount Blue Summit Trail
The Mount Blue Trail starts from the Center Hill area on the eastern side of the park and climbs to the 3,187-foot summit of Mount Blue. The trail is 1.6 miles one way (3.2 miles round trip) and gains roughly 1,700 feet of elevation. It is rated strenuous, and that is accurate. The trail climbs steadily and steeply, with rocky footing in the upper section.
The summit rewards the effort. From the fire tower foundation at the top, you get 360-degree views of the western Maine mountains: the Tumbledown range to the north, Webb Lake directly below, the Rangeley Lakes region to the northwest, and on clear days, Mount Washington in New Hampshire to the west. The summit is above treeline in places, with open ledge and blueberry bushes (ripe in August).
Most hikers complete the round trip in 3 to 4 hours. Bring plenty of water, as there are no reliable water sources on the trail.
Center Hill
Center Hill is a low summit on the eastern side of the park, accessible by a paved auto road from Weld village. At the top you will find a picnic area with tables, grills, and views of Webb Lake and the surrounding mountains. The Center Hill Nature Trail is a short 0.5-mile loop with interpretive stations covering the natural and cultural history of the area.
Center Hill is a good option for visitors who want views without a strenuous hike. The auto road is narrow and winding but paved, and the picnic area at the top is a pleasant spot for lunch. The Mount Blue trailhead is also accessed from the Center Hill area.
When to Go
Summer
Warm weather for swimming, camping, and hiking. Webb Lake reaches comfortable swimming temperatures by mid-July. Campground is busiest on weekends.
Fall
Foliage peaks in late September to early October. The Mount Blue summit views of surrounding color are outstanding. Campground is open through mid-October.
Winter
Park facilities close, but some trails are used for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. The access roads are not fully maintained in winter.
Spring
Park opens May 15. Mud season through May. Webb Lake is cold. Wildflowers and bird activity pick up in late spring.
Nearby
The Tumbledown Mountain trailhead is a short drive from the park and offers one of the best hikes in western Maine: a moderate-to-strenuous climb to an alpine pond nestled between three peaks. The combination of a morning hike on Tumbledown and an afternoon at Webb Lake is a perfect summer day.
The town of Farmington, about 30 minutes south, has restaurants, shops, and the campus of the University of Maine at Farmington. The Rangeley Lakes region is about an hour north, offering additional hiking, fishing, and lake recreation.
Getting There
To Webb Beach Campground: From Weld village, proceed about 2 miles north past the village center and bear left on West Road at Webb Corner. Continue 4 miles to Webb Beach Road, which leads down to the lake and campground.
To Center Hill and Mount Blue Trailhead: From Weld village, follow Center Road east. Signs direct you to the Center Hill picnic area and the Mount Blue trailhead.
From Portland, take Routes 4 and 156 through Farmington to Weld, about 2.5 hours. From Bangor, take Routes 2 and 43, then Route 156, roughly 2 hours and 45 minutes.
GPS coordinates for Webb Beach: 44.6900, -70.3600
FAQ
How big is Mount Blue State Park?
Mount Blue State Park covers approximately 8,000 acres, making it the largest state park in Maine. It is split into two sections: the Webb Lake campground area and the Mount Blue hiking area.
Can you swim at Mount Blue State Park?
Yes. The park has a sandy beach on Webb Lake that is popular for swimming from mid-June through September. The water warms up by mid-July.
How hard is the Mount Blue hike?
The Mount Blue Trail is 3.2 miles round trip with about 1,700 feet of elevation gain. It is rated strenuous, with steep, rocky sections. Most hikers take 3 to 4 hours for the round trip.
How many campsites does Mount Blue State Park have?
The Webb Beach campground has 136 wooded sites near Webb Lake. There are no hookups. Hot showers, restrooms, and a dump station are available. Reservations are recommended for summer weekends.
What is the elevation of Mount Blue?
Mount Blue's summit is 3,187 feet. The summit offers 360-degree views of the western Maine mountains, Webb Lake, and on clear days, Mount Washington in New Hampshire.
