Summer in Maine means hiking and swimming. Sometimes their separate activities, but in a place like Maine you can often combine them. Whether it’s a swimming hole or a secret beach, there are tons of ways to get out there in Vacationland. But, one of our absolute favorites is this hike. We try to do it at least once a year. Why is it so special? Read on to find out!
This is a great hike during any summer month, but if you do it in August you’ll have the luxury of picking all the blueberries you want near the summit. We recommend bringing a plastic container to avoid crushing the wild sweets in your hurry to go bake them into pancakes.
Reaching the summit of Blueberry Mountain is best for experienced hikers. While not terribly difficult, there are some areas that will require scrambling over rocks. With an altitude of 1,750 feet it’s definitely a hearty hike. Roundtrip will be about 4.5 miles.
logicalrealist / Flickr The best way to enjoy it is by taking a hike to the summit of Blueberry Mountain before ending with a refreshing, celebratory dip in the emerald green waters.
You’ll want to start your journey in the town of Gilead. To get there, taking Route 113 and when you’re in town, head towards Stone House Road which becomes Shell Pond Road. After a few miles, you’ll come to a gated area for parking,
Start by crossing the grass clearing to travel towards the rudimentary trail head.
Michelle Starin While this land is private, the owners have agreed to grant access to visitors. With that in mind, always be careful and practice leave no trace when hiking.
We’re not entirely sure if the trail maker is more official these days, but you’ll definitely see something that tells you where to begin. Once you’ve traveled about a mile, you’ll arrive at a sign indicating Stone House Trail. Make a left and head down the trail for another half mile. Here you’ll see a footbridge on the right.
From here you can head straight to Rattlesnake Pool, but for a bit more of an adventure continue on the path as it goes slightly uphill.
jaycollier / Flickr While the trail is rather wooded without a ton of visibility, we love how “Maine woods” it feels.
In another half mile, the path to Rattlesnake Flume and Pool will appear. It’s marked with a small arrow on the right.
jaycollier / Flickr
The crystal clear water of the pool is absolutely stunning. And with all the trees and plants it feels like a true tropical oasis. You might even think you’ve escaped to Ferngully!
logicalrealist / Flickr Once you’ve taken a (very chilly!) swim, you can head back to the car the same way you came. By the time you’re done you’ll have traveled about 2.5 miles.
If you’d like to do more hiking, skip the turn off to Stone House Trail and opt to start with the White Cairn Trail. This connects to the Blueberry Ridge Trail.
Michelle Starin
Follow the Blueberry Ridge Trail all the way up to the summit for beautiful views of the surrounding Evans Notch area.
logicalrealist / Flickr
If you do this hike in August you’ll be able to pick Maine’s famous wild blueberries along the way to the summit.
logicalrealist / Flickr
Bring a reusable container to bring some home for snacking! But be warned that there’s a good chance you’ll finish them all on the drive back!
Michelle Starin Note that the hike to the summit is a bit of a challenge. A few portions of the route will require some rock scrambling and, with an altitude of 1,750 feet it’s definitely uphill. Expect to cover about 4.5 miles roundtrip by the time you’re done.
For more refreshing fun, check out these 10 natural pools located throughout the state of Maine. They’re great a relaxing spring or summer day.
logicalrealist / Flickr
The best way to enjoy it is by taking a hike to the summit of Blueberry Mountain before ending with a refreshing, celebratory dip in the emerald green waters.
You’ll want to start your journey in the town of Gilead. To get there, taking Route 113 and when you’re in town, head towards Stone House Road which becomes Shell Pond Road. After a few miles, you’ll come to a gated area for parking,
Michelle Starin
While this land is private, the owners have agreed to grant access to visitors. With that in mind, always be careful and practice leave no trace when hiking.
We’re not entirely sure if the trail maker is more official these days, but you’ll definitely see something that tells you where to begin. Once you’ve traveled about a mile, you’ll arrive at a sign indicating Stone House Trail. Make a left and head down the trail for another half mile. Here you’ll see a footbridge on the right.
jaycollier / Flickr
While the trail is rather wooded without a ton of visibility, we love how “Maine woods” it feels.
Once you’ve taken a (very chilly!) swim, you can head back to the car the same way you came. By the time you’re done you’ll have traveled about 2.5 miles.
Note that the hike to the summit is a bit of a challenge. A few portions of the route will require some rock scrambling and, with an altitude of 1,750 feet it’s definitely uphill. Expect to cover about 4.5 miles roundtrip by the time you’re done.
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