Location: Adamstown Township

On the west shores of Cupsuptic and Mooselookmeguntic Lakes, the Forest Legacy Conservation Area contains roughly 9 miles of lightly used trails. Though they are generally well marked and signed, trails may have areas of overgrowth or blowdowns. Many loops can be made here, and hikes range from easy to advanced, depending on the route taken.

Trailhead & Parking: The trailhead is located at the end of Mud Pond Road, roughly a half mile from Highway 16. Mud Pond Road is on the south side of Highway 16, 9.1 miles west of Oquossoc, and there are usually signs marking this turn. Mud Pond Road is a narrow gravel road that is not plowed in winter and may have significant mud in the spring and after major rain events.

Suggested Route: A 7-mile perimeter loop follows Skid Road, Timberland Trail, Shoreline Trail, and Skyline Trail.

Forest Legacy’s Trails are maintained by Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust.

Location: Township D

This large mountain with interesting views and wild-feeling landscapes to the south of Mooselookmeguntic Lake has four summits—the tallest is the westernmost peak, rising to 3,592 feet above sea level. Recommended for experienced hikers only.

Trailhead & Parking: Multiple trailheads can access Bemis Mountain trails. The recommended trailhead for the suggested hike is the AT trailhead on Bemis Road, with roadside parking. It’s located 7.3 miles north of where Bemis Road leaves Route 17, and 0.7 miles south of the intersection of Bemis Road and Shelton Trail/South Arm Road.

Suggested Route: Loop utilizes Bemis Road, Bemis Stream Trail, and Appalachian Trail. Please note: The Bemis Stream Trail is a lightly used trail through a wild and remote area. Be prepared for a backcountry experience, and carry a good map and compass.

Bemis Mountain’s trails are maintained by the Maine Appalachian Trail Club.

Location: Township 6

This moderate-sized peak is located northwest of Weld and just east of Jackson Mountain. Blueberry Mountain provides excellent views in all directions from its rocky 2,962-foot summit.

Trailhead & Parking: The trailhead is located on the road to Blueberry Mountain Bible Camp. The road has a sign for the camp where it leaves the west side of Highway 142 in Weld. This turn is located 8.7 miles south of the junction of Highway 142 and Highway 4, and 3.8 miles north of the four-way stop in the center of Weld. Follow the dirt road to the camp for roughly 1.5 miles, and you will see a parking lot to the left with a sign for hiker parking. If you reach the camp, you have gone too far.

Suggested Route: Blueberry Mountain Trail

Blueberry Mountain trail is maintained by the Bureau of Parks and Lands.

Location: Madrid Township

The historic Perham Stream settlement in the East Madrid intervale offers rare south-lying foothills views to Saddleback and Mt. Abraham Ranges and late fall-winter views west to Jackson Range.

Trailhead & Parking: 553 East Madrid Road, 4.7 miles north of Maine Highway 142. The trailhead is marked by a kiosk and sign.

Suggested Route: Hike clockwise to Cow Point combining the newly reworked and extended Sheep Trail and the Point Trail loop, hiking first to Perham Stream, and ascending through shaded woods to an intersection with the Point Trail. Continue clockwise to access spurs to the Cow Point and Saddleback lookouts, and more meadow mountain views, returning on the Point Trail to the trailhead.

High Peaks Alliance owns and maintains the Perham Stream Birding Trail.

Location: Coplin & Wyman Townships

The western-most peak of Bigelow Range, the 3213-foot Cranberry Peak offers 360-degree views. The hike is a good introduction to the rigors and rewards of high-peak hiking but at a lower elevation. Winter access for snowshoe and crampon hiking is also possible, but the parking area is not plowed — instead, hike to the trailhead from Highway 27.

Trailhead & Parking: Currie Street, Stratton/Eustis; east-side Highway 16/27 (no trail sign) adjacent to Coplin Town Office, across from Fotter Field, 0.5 miles south of Stratton-Eustis Town Office and Library. Drive 0.6 miles to the parking area for Bigelow Range Trail.

Suggested Route: Out and back hike to the summit; blue blazes, 6.2 miles roundtrip. A 7.8-mile point-to-point hike option is to spot a vehicle at the Appalachian Trail crossing on Highway 27 in Wyman. Hike the Bigelow Range Trail past Cranberry Summit and Cranberry Pond to junction with AT (white blazes) and south on AT to Wyman crossing.

The Cranberry Peak trail is maintained by the Maine Appalachian Trail Club.

Location: Dead River Township

Little Bigelow Mountain, 3100’, offers a 6-mile long rampart-like ridge, crossed by the Appalachian Trail. Little Bigelow rewards hikers with its pristine views and the opportunity to modify the length of an outing by choosing one of many ledge viewpoints below the true summit as a turn-around spot.

Trailhead & Parking: East Flagstaff Road, Dead River Township. From North New Portland village, junction Highway 16, follow Long Falls Dam Road north 17.2 miles north. Watch for East Flagstaff Road (gravel) on the left (west) and a small sign for Bigelow Preserve; on the right. Drive 1.0 miles, making no turns. Parking on the right by the old gravel pit. Appalachian Trail southbound turns from the road into the woods 50 yards past the parking area, on the left (south) side of the road.

Suggested Route: Appalachian Trail, white blazes

The Little Bigelow Mountain trail is maintained by the Maine Appalachian Trail Club.

Location: Carrabassett Valley

Poplar Stream Falls is a relatively accessible hike for this area, offering remote-feeling wilderness and two of the most striking waterfalls in the High Peaks region. The trail ascends along the east side of Poplar Stream.

Trailhead & Parking: Airport Trailhead, Maine Huts and Trails (MHT), 1.0 mile north of Carriage Road on Highways 16/27; adjacent to Sugarbowl restaurant and bowling alley.

Suggested Route: Ascending on the Maine Hut Trail to Larry’s Trail, and returning via Warren’s Trail and MHT.

The Poplar Stream Fall trail is maintained by the Maine Huts & Trails & the Town of Carrabassett Valley.