Blue Hill’s namesake mountain rises to 934 feet and has many trails to choose from. When you hike Blue Hill Mountain, our suggestions cover information about the trails, views you can’t miss, and encouragement to breathe in the fresh air. Make sure to bring along your water bottle and a phone or camera to snap some of the stunning vistas.
1. Multiple Trails to Blaze
There are several options when you plan to hike Blue Hill Mountain trail. Choose your favorite or explore them all. The following routes are listed by the level of difficulty from easy to strenuous.
- Post Office Trail — A 1-mile, easy trail. This trail starts in town at the Blue Hill Post Office and slightly ascends to Mountain Road. Across the Street, you could continue on the Osgood Trail.
- South Face Trail — An easy walk from Mountain Road parking. Out and back but could also be used to hop on the Osgood Trail (moderate hike) to form a loop.
- Becton Trail — A 2-mile, easy-to-moderate trail. This hike will get you to the summit. As you ascend the trail, you’ll pass through pine and spruce forests. Parking is available at the trailhead, Turkey Farm Road.
- Osgood Trail — About a 2-mile, moderate hike. Another trail to the summit, 40 minutes each way. It’s considered moderate due to some loose rock, tree roots, and stone steps. Parking is available at the trailhead.
- Hayes Trail — A 1-mile, moderate to challenging trail. Travel through open fields, ascend stone steps, hike through the oak forest then pine and spruce. There is a ledge and a steep, stone slope so it’s important to be cautious. Parking is available at the trailhead.
Please make sure to follow the guidelines of the trails:
- Stay on the marked trail(s).
- Pack out what you pack in — leave no trace.
- No fires allowed.
- Please keep your dogs on a leash.
- These trails are for walkers/hikers only. No bikes or other vehicles are allowed.
- Please give a wide berth to the communication tower.
2. Breathtaking View from the Top
The rugged beauty of Maine is encapsulated in the hike on Blue Hill Mountain. Look down to breathtaking views of Blue Hill harbor and the surrounding meadows and forested areas. Each day provides an ever-changing landscape based on the season and the play of both sun and shadows. You never know what wildlife you’ll bump into, and the area is known for its birdwatching opportunities. It’s a place that begs to be visited again and again.
3. An Interesting History
The town of Blue Hill in partnership with the Blue Hill Heritage Trust has committed to maintaining this land. Even when America was being settled, the Blue Hill Mountain area provided natural resources for the people. Over time, the recognition that these natural resources need protection has caused the locals to make preservation efforts. Here are some interesting bits of trivia from the history of Blue Hill.
- Blue Hill Mountain has two other monikers. It’s called a monadnock which means “isolated mountain.” In other words, you’ll not find a mountain range that includes this elevation. The Abenaki Indians of Penobscot Bay called the mountain Awanadjo or “small, misty mountain.”
- After the removal of most of the trees from the mountain, blueberry bushes were tended here. Mining also occurred — with rhodonite taken from underground.
- The road cleared for miners became useful for visitors to drive their horses and buggies up to see the view.
- In the mid-1900s, forest fires ravaged the whole state. In 1947 a fire tower was built on the mountain. It was maintained/used until the ‘90s. The tower was completely removed by 2005.
- A new tower, a communication structure, was built in 1981 on the mountain. By 2005 it was updated for cell phone service too.
- Nowadays, about 500 acres of the mountain are preserved for conservation.
- Stone steps have been added to the Osgood Trail and the Hayes Trail.
- Moving forward, efforts continue to help protect the mountain from erosion.
4. Great Form of Exercise
The changing seasons give so much motivation to get outside to witness the evolution of nature. Take some time just for you. Hiking provides great exercise. With the gorgeous views, it’s a much better option for a cardio workout than being stuck on a treadmill. Additionally, hiking the mountain will strengthen your leg muscles and help increase balance as you carefully walk the rough terrain. Finally, it’s an opportunity to unwind and de-stress — breathing the fresh air and taking in all the natural beauty brings a sense of peace and tranquility. Start a new habit — take a hike!
5. A Relaxing Stay
The most satisfying ending to a hike on the Blue Hill Mountain trail is the benefit of a relaxing stay at our Blue Hill Inn. After exploring the mountain, a comfortable room and warm hospitality are here to greet you. Once you’ve hiked the mountain, take a stroll downtown to visit our quaint shops and savor the local fare in one of our restaurants. Fall is a great time of the year to escape and hike the Blue Hill Mountain trail. Start planning your next hike today!
Published September 2022