The Bald Mountain Trail is within the Bald Mountain Public Reserved Land located between the historic Rangeley and Mooselookmeguntic Lakes. It is only a mile from the trailhead to the summit. Hikers can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding Rangeley, Cupsuptic and Mooselookmeguntic Lakes as well as Maine's Saddleback Mountain, Elephant Mountain, the Height of Land, and New Hampshire's Mount Washington in the White Mountains. This trail is especially popular in the fall when the autumn colors are in full swing and moose and deer are commonly seen crossing the forested slopes.
Although Bald Mountain's stature is less imposing than some of its majestic neighbors, Bald Mountain still offers a challenging and rewarding hike for the outdoor enthusiast. The trail starts off easy and gradually increases in difficulty as you reach the top. The lower segments of the trail pass through mature northern hardwood trees such as sugar maple and white birch. The summit area’s forest is dominated by scrubby red spruce. On the bare granite summit, a picnic table provides a great place for a meal and an observation tower offers spectacular views for hikers.
The alternative start at the boating parking lot near Haine’s Landing adds some distance to the overall hike, as it involves roughly one mile of trail before joining the main trail 1200 feet above the primary Bald Mountain parking lot. This trail passes through dense softwood, open logging road, bog, and young hardwoods while following a gentle slope. It includes bog bridging to cross wet areas. There is evidence along the trail of the mountain’s former life as a minor ski hill decades ago.
View the Bald Mountain Public Land page on BPL's website.
Bald Mountain is part of the Maine Birding Trail. The upper segments of the trail are well-suited to a number of boreal species such as spruce grouse, gray jay, boreal chickadees, blackpoll warblers, and more.
During the hunting season (October through November) be sure to wear blaze orange gear that lets hunters easily see you.
Natural Heritage Hikes is a project of the Maine Natural Areas Program in partnership with Maine Trail Finder. View the "Bald Mountain Trail" guide online here.
This trail passes through a property that was acquired in part with funds from the Land for Maine’s Future program. For more information about the LMF program and the places it has helped to protect, please visit the LMF webpage.
Visit Bald Mountain Public Reserved Land online for more information or contact:
Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands, Western Public Lands OfficeThere are two trailheads accessing Bald Mountain. To reach the primary trailhead, follow ME Route 4 about a mile west of its intersection with ME Route 17 in Oquossoc Village, Rangeley. Near the end of ME Route 4, turn left onto Bald Mountain Road. Continue on Bald Mountain Road for about 0.5 miles. Signs and parking for the trailhead will be on the left. The trail leaves from the parking lot.
An alternative trailhead can be found slightly before turning left onto the Bald Mountain Road. The large parking lot on the south side of ME Route 4 serves as parking for boaters using the Haine’s Landing boat launch on Mooselookmeguntic Lake. It also, however, provides access to a trail linking with the main Bald Mountain trail. The trail starts at the rear of the parking lot.
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