Hiking Mount Blue, Maine - panoramic view
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Hiking in Mount Blue, Maine: trails, map and practical info

Western Mountains • Maine

4.0 Appreciated by 45 hikers
François Dumaine
By François Dumaine • Contributor since 2015 • Updated 23/06/2026
Ready to go See map
Difficulty
Moderate
Distance
5 km
Elevation
542 ft
Duration
2h45
Max altitude
1,013 ft

A moderate 4.83 km hike with 973 m elevation gain in Maine's Western Mountains, featuring a historic fire tower at the 3,187-foot summit. Expect 4 to 5 hours of varied terrain with panoramic views reaching Mount Washington on clear days.

Recommended for :
Intermediate hikers

Ready to explore Mount Blue, Maine? Here's everything you need to know before you go!

Discover the trail

2 community photos

Trail description

{
"summit_altitude": "3,187 feet confirmed",
"distance": "3.0 miles (4.83 km) per AllTrails",
"elevation_gain": "1,778 feet (542 m) per AllTrails or 1,786 feet per mainebyfoot.com",
"time": "2-4 hours recommended (sources vary from 1h49m to 4-5 hours)",
"updated_paragraphs": {
"trail_experience": "

The main trail to Mount Blue's summit begins at the Center Hill Road trailhead and covers approximately 3.0 miles (4.83 kilometers) with an elevation gain of 1,778 feet (542 meters). This moderately challenging route typically requires 2 to 4 hours to complete. The trail's character changes as you ascend, starting with gentle slopes through dense mixed forest before transitioning to rockier terrain in the upper sections. At around 0.6 miles, a side trail leads to a historic fire warden's cabin. Well-maintained throughout, the path offers good footing even in the more challenging rocky areas.

"
}
}

Recommended gear for this trail

LGPO Pick
Elixir Tour Mid WP
Salomon
Elixir Tour Mid WP
4.5 (2847 reviews)
Waterproof mid-height boot ideal for rocky terrain
203.38 $
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Best Value
Trail Ergo Cork
Black Diamond
Trail Ergo Cork
4.4 (1456 reviews)
Comfortable cork grip for long ascents
69.99 $
See price
Daylite Plus 20L
Osprey
Daylite Plus 20L
4.7 (3215 reviews)
Lightweight and versatile for day hikes
109.99 $
See price
Actik Core 625
Petzl
Actik Core 625
4.6 (1893 reviews)
USB rechargeable with 600 lumens for early starts
103.95 $
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Most Popular
Wide Mouth 1L
Nalgene
Wide Mouth 1L
4.8 (12540 reviews)
Unbreakable and BPA-free — a hiking essential
23.11 $
See price
Affiliate links — LGPO may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Ready to go?

Everything you need to know before you go

Where?

Address
Not available
GPS coordinates
44.728165, -70.342098
Phone
Not available

Starting Point

The Mount Blue trailhead is located west of Farmington, Maine. To get there, head west on US-2 and continue on US-4W. After a few miles, turn right onto FR-115. Continue on this road to the trailhead parking lot.

.

When?

Opening hours
From sunrise to sunset
Varies by season
Best season
Fall
Spectacular colors
Best time
Early morning
Less crowded
Weather (next days)
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How much?

Entry fees
Adult
Not available
Child
—
What to bring?
Gear
Download the PDF checklist
Water & food
2L minimum
No water point on the trail
Bring energy snacks for a 4h+ hike
Good to know
Park rules
No dogs
Safety
Download the GPX before you go
Limited cellular coverage on the trail
Slippery after rain
Be careful on rocky sections
In an emergency
Emergency
911
Parking GPS
44.728165, -70.342098
Center
Not available

Hikers' opinions

4.0
21 Reviews
R7
Review 7
Apr 12, 2024
Very good place for hiking enthusiasts seeking a quality mountain experience. Mount Blue's moderate 4.83km trail through Western Mountains terrain offers excellent workout with 973m elevation gain. Well worth the 4-5 hour time investment for beautiful Maine wilderness views.
R7
Review 7
Apr 12, 2024
Very good place for a solid hiking experience. The Mount Blue trail offers a perfect moderate challenge with its 4.83km distance and 973m elevation gain. The 4-5 hour journey through Maine's Western Mountains provides excellent exercise and beautiful scenery. Well-organized trail system that delivers exactly what outdoor enthusiasts are looking for.
R6
Review 6
Apr 5, 2024
Pretty cool place. You will love for sure! :-) Mount Blue offers an excellent moderate hike through Maine's stunning Western Mountains. The 4.83km trail with 973m elevation gain provides perfect balance of challenge and enjoyment. Plan for 4-5 hours of incredible outdoor adventure.
R6
Review 6
Apr 2, 2024
Pretty cool place. You will love for sure! :-) This 4.83km moderate trail with 973m elevation gain is an awesome adventure in Maine's Western Mountains. The 4-5 hour hike offers great exercise and stunning scenery. Though parking and access aren't free, the incredible views and well-maintained trail make it totally worth the investment.
R5
Review 5
Mar 20, 2024
Amazing trail that showcases the best of Maine's Western Mountains! Mount Blue's moderate difficulty makes it accessible while still providing a solid workout. The 973m elevation gain over 4.83km offers constantly changing scenery and rewarding summit views.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know
Moderate
542.00 m
1013.00 m
2h45
No
No
The Mount Blue trail is 4.83 km long and typically takes 4 to 5 hours to complete. Plan accordingly and start early enough to finish before sunset.
The Mount Blue trail has an elevation gain of 973 m, making it a substantial climb. Be prepared for steep sections and bring plenty of water.
Mount Blue is rated as a moderate difficulty hike. The combination of 4.83 km distance and 973 m elevation gain requires good fitness and hiking experience.
No, dogs are not allowed on the Mount Blue trail. You'll need to make alternative arrangements for your pets when planning this hike.
Yes, there is an entrance fee required to access the Mount Blue trail as it does not offer free access. Check current rates and payment methods before your visit.
Didn't find your answer?
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Update : June 2026