Waterford MaineHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Waterford, Maine.
1. Mount Tire'm
SHORT VILLAGE HIKE
Mount Tire'm is a short 1.3-mile out-and-back hike via the Daniel Brown Trail, located right in the village of Waterford. The trail presents a brief but moderately steep climb to the summit, which stands at 1,104 feet and offers views of nearby Keoka Lake to the east. The summit area includes interesting rock formations and a 'cave' (a glacial erratic) that is popular with children, as well as summer blueberries.
2. Hawk Mountain
PANORAMIC LAKES VIEWS
Hawk Mountain stands between 1,047 and 1,070 feet and offers sweeping views of the Lakes Region and Oxford Hills. The fastest route to the summit is an approximately 1.4-mile out-and-back trail, though hikers can also enjoy a 1.9-mile loop using the Europe and Cyrus trails. The Hatch Preserve at Hawk Mountain features 3 miles of trails that are open year-round for hiking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.
3. Bald Peak and Mt. Pleasant
CHALLENGING MOUNTAIN DUO
Bald Peak and Mt. Pleasant offer a challenging 6-mile hike with 1,450 feet of elevation gain near Waterford. The hike begins by heading straight uphill immediately from the trailhead, which is located on Mountain Road near East Pinnacle Condominiums. Hikers are rewarded with spectacular views from these two connected peaks.
4. Rattlesnake Pool
PRISTINE FOREST SWIMMING
Rattlesnake Pool is a scenic 2.1-mile hike with 207 feet of elevation gain located on private land near Stow. The best place to start the hike is from Route 113 near Gilead, heading towards Stone House Road which becomes Shell Pond Road. Hikers should practice leave no trace principles as this beautiful natural pool and surrounding area are on private property.
5. White Horse Trail
NORTH CONWAY CLASSIC
White Horse Trail is a popular hiking destination near North Conway, New Hampshire, not far from the Maine border. The trail offers hikers a chance to experience the beautiful White Mountains with their distinctive granite features. Visitors can enjoy scenic vistas and the unique New Hampshire landscape within a reasonable drive from Waterford, Maine.
6. Western Foothills Land Trust Trails
GENTLE PRESERVED PATHWAYS
The Western Foothills Land Trust maintains several trails in the Waterford area, offering gentle to moderate hiking experiences. These preserved lands feature various ecosystems including edge habitats that many species of birds and mammals find advantageous. The trails permit multiple activities including hiking, walking, skiing, snowshoeing, and dog-walking.
7. Sabattus Mountain
QUICK REWARDING CLIMB
Sabattus Mountain is a relatively short hike located in nearby Lovell, offering spectacular views of the lakes and mountains of western Maine. The trail is approximately 1.4 miles round trip and climbs to an elevation of 1,253 feet. Despite its modest height, the mountain provides panoramic vistas of the White Mountains to the west and Pleasant Mountain to the south.
8. Pleasant Mountain
BRIDGTON'S PROMINENT PEAK
Pleasant Mountain is the highest peak in the immediate region at 2,006 feet, located in Bridgton near Waterford. Multiple trails of varying difficulty lead to the summit, with the most popular being the 3.8-mile Ledges Trail that offers dramatic views on the ascent. From the summit, hikers can enjoy panoramic views of the Lakes Region, including Moose Pond directly below, and on clear days, views extend to Mount Washington.
9. Singepole Mountain
QUIET FOREST RETREAT
Singepole Mountain is a lesser-known hiking destination in Norway, Maine, just a short drive from Waterford. The trail takes hikers through peaceful mixed forests before reaching the modest summit with partial views of the surrounding countryside. This quieter alternative to more popular peaks offers a serene outdoor experience without the crowds.
10. Baldface Circle Trail
CHALLENGING ALPINE EXPERIENCE
Baldface Circle Trail is a challenging 9.8-mile loop hike in nearby Chatham, New Hampshire, featuring two impressive summits: North Baldface (3,566 ft) and South Baldface (3,570 ft). The trail includes extensive above-treeline hiking with exceptional 360-degree views of the Presidential Range and Maine's lakes and mountains. This demanding route features steep sections with rock scrambling that requires good fitness and hiking experience.