Hike Bald Mountain Near Webb Lake in Maine
Western Maine Hike Offers Great Views, Great Workout
The Bald Mountain trail is 1.25 miles to the summit. It's a relatively short, steep climb (hikers gain about 1,400 feet in elevation). The open summit provides stunning views of well-known Western Maine landmarks:
- Webb Lake
- Mount Blue
- Tumbledown Mountain
- Big Jackson Mountain
- Little Jackson Mountain
- Blueberry Mountain
- Saddleback Wind Mountain
There's more than one Bald Mountain in Maine. This trail is the one just off State Route 156 between Wilton and Weld. Approximately 7 miles west of Wilton in Washington Township is a prominent gravel apron that marks the limited parking area for Bald Mountain. There are no signs, so keep alert!
A Quick, Fun Maine Hike
The trail leaves immediately from the gravel apron in a westerly direction. Within a few yards, hikers must cross Wilson Stream via well-placed rocks. Be extra careful if crossing in the spring when the water is high and fast.
The first two-thirds of the trail is within the forest canopy. The path is blue blazed and significantly eroded in spots — be alert to loose rocks. The remaining one-third of the trail is over bedrock. Blue blazes are painted on rocks, and cairns also help mark the way.
The summit is bare ("bald"). Large expanses of bedrock tease hikers to explore spots for the best view. The triangular peak of Mount Blue to the northeast and sparkling Webb Lake to the north dominate.
As with all outings, plan carefully so not to be disappointed.
- Use hiking boots or sneakers with good tread.
- It's a steep climb down with lots of loose rock, making hiking poles an excellent accessory to bring.
- Take sunscreen; the open summit affords no shade — summer sun can be intense.
- Bring water and, if desired, a snack (a picnic at the top is a great treat).
Fall Foliage Season is a Wonderful Time to Hike in Maine
September and early/mid October are excellent months to hike in the woods — no bugs, cooler temps, and the foliage is a rich tapestry of yellows, oranges, and reds. Maine's fall foliage season starts in late September, and peak color occurs around mid-October.
Snowshoeing Bald Mountain makes for a good winter outing (chases away those cabin-fever blues). Use poles and crampons. If the snow depth is medium to light, winter hikers can simply wear a good pair of boots to climb to the top, then glissade down, taking care to avoid trees and boulders.
The trail to Bald Mountain is on private property. Be respectful and Leave No Trace; don't give the owners reason to close the trail to the public (which happened in 2002).
The extensive expanse of bedrock (quartzite and schist) seen on Bald Mountain originated as many layers of sediment on an ancient ocean slope. Geologists estimate the rocks are about 400 million years old.
The sedimentary layers started out horizontal, but were tipped on their side or folded during tectonic plate movement. Plus the layers were subjected to intense heat and pressure, creating the metamorphic rock now evident today. Striations in the rock indicate glacial activity from about 13,000 years ago when a thousand-foot thick glacier dragged across this region.
Camping at Mount Blue State Park: Good Base for Lots of Outdoor Recreation
Mount Blue State Park's campground is on the west side of Webb Lake, about a half hour from Bald Mountain's parking area. It's a lakeside campground and can become a base for many outdoor adventures in this area of Western Maine: hiking, off-road biking, kayaking/boating, swimming, and wildlife watching. The trails are north and east of the lake, requiring short drives from the campground.
View from Bald Mountain in Maine
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Some Eroded Spots on Bald Mountain Trail
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Bald Mountain's Expanses of Quartzite and Schist
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Parking Apron for Bald Mountain Trail
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