Distance: 1.3 miles to Bald Mountain summit
Time: 1-1.5 hours (one way)
Elevation: 2,443 feet
Difficulty: Family Hike
Bald is beautiful. No, I’m not talking about my weathered dome. Bald Mountain in Oquossoc, Maine, with an assist from its observation tower, provides panoramic views of Rangeley Lake, Mooselookmeguntic Lake, Saddleback Mountain and many other peaks of the Longfellow Mountains. You don’t have to take my word for it—the trailhead sign promises, and the hike delivers.
The other important takeaway is the “slippery when wet” message. We’ve rated Bald Mountain as a “Family Hike,” and it’s a lot of fun with kids, just know that the upper section features numerous granite rock scrambles. The kids will love these; however, to avoid giving hiking a bad name, leave the sandals in the car and make sure everyone has appropriate footwear.
Directions to Bald Mountain
There are two connecting trailheads for Bald Mountain off of Bald Mountain Road. The first is located at the public boat launch. The shorter and more popular hike, reviewed here, is a little further up the road.
To get to the trailheads, follow Maine Route 4 west through Oquossoc Village. Just before Route 4 ends at Haines Landing on Mooselookmeguntic Lake, turn left onto Bald Mountain Road. The main trailhead parking lot is 0.8 miles on the left. Parking is free, and there’s an outhouse available.
