Trailhead
From South: At the intersection of ME Route 156 with Maine Route 142 in Weld, proceed easterly onto Center Hill Road. Center Hill Road takes a slight left about 0.5 miles from the main roads; follow the signs for the Center Hill Trails and for parking. Continue past the park headquarters and Center Hill Picnic Area for another 3.0 miles on Center Hill Road until you reach another fork in the road. A sign indicates Mount Blue Trail and parking by bearing right onto Mt Blue Road. Follow this road for about 2.5 miles—bearing right at the logging road roughly 1.8 miles from the main fork—to the end where the trailhead and parking are located.
From North: From the intersection of ME Routes 4 and 142 in Philips, follow ME Route 142 south. After about 7.0 miles, ME Route 142 makes a sharp turn to the right; at this point, make a left onto Center Hill Road. After 0.5 miles, Center Hill Road splits; follow the road that forks right. Continue to follow Center Hill Road for another 2.5 miles, and turn a sharp left onto Mt Blue Road. Follow this road for about 2.5 miles—bearing right at the logging road roughly 1.8 miles from the main fork—to the end where the trailhead and parking are located.
In the winter Mt Blue Road is closed at the fork with Center Hill Road, therefore it is necessary to park there at the gate and to hike the extra 2.5 miles along the road to the parking area and trailhead before hiking this trail.
Description
Offering scenic views of the Weld region, the Mount Blue Trail leaves from the northern end of the parking area. About a mile from the trailhead a former fire warden’s cabin provides a place for rest and shelter. The remains of an old fire tower are also at the summit. At the top of Mount Blue, the summit provides many great views of the picturesque Weld area. At 3,187 feet, Mount Blue is not the tallest mountain in the Weld area, but it is probably the best known peak in the region. Visible for many miles to the south, it is surrounded and protected by Mount Blue State Park and is nearly as tall as Little and Big Jackson Mountains to the north and a shade taller than Mount Tumbledown to the west. This is a poplar hike in any season including winter.
Trail Manager
Visit Maine Division of Parks and Public Lands online for more information, or contact:
Mount Blue State Park
Park Manager
299 Center Hill Road
Weld, Maine 04285
Phone: (207) 585-2261
bruce.farnham@maine.gov
Photos
Photo courtesy:Ross Donihue
Photo courtesy:Ross Donihue
Photo courtesy:Ross Donihue
The amazing views were worth the climb up this trail. The terrain was extremely rocky and steep in several places, so be prepared! And climbing down took nearly as long as climbing up (about and hour and half each way- I am not an regular mountain climber) because of the rocks and roots. Even though it was a hazy day, the views were amazing, especially from the old fire tower base. A great way to spend a Sunday afternoon that didn't cost a penny!
Great hike! If you have a clear day and want a challenge but also a huge reward when you get to the top this is the hike for you. Be prepared for heavy breathing at times and a rocky terrain through the woods. The trail is in good condition and easy to follow. This is what hiking in western maine is all about.
A beautiful hike! Finally I looked down at Farmington from the top of Mt. Blue which I've looked up at and admired for years. I did lose my digital camera on the trail. I went back yesterday and hiked the trail again to look for it but no luck. If anyone finds it I'd love it get it back.