Stow MaineHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Stow, Maine.
1. Blueberry Mountain via Stone House Trail
VIEWS AND SWIMMING HOLE
Blueberry Mountain is an out-and-back hike just over five miles with an elevation gain of 1,257 feet located near Stow in Western Maine. The summit includes spectacular views of Evan's Notch and Baldface Mountain, making it a rewarding destination for hikers of all skill levels. The most thrilling part of this family and dog-friendly mountain is Rattlesnake Pool, a crystal clear, aquamarine swimming hole fed by a small waterfall where hikers can take an exhilarating dip in warmer months.
2. Rattlesnake Pool
CRYSTAL CLEAR SWIMMING SPOT
Rattlesnake Pool is a stunning natural feature along the Blueberry Mountain hiking trail in Stow, Maine. This crystal clear, aquamarine swimming hole is fed by a small waterfall and offers an exhilarating, albeit frigid, swimming opportunity during warmer months. The pool's remarkable beauty makes it a worthwhile destination even for those who choose not to brave the cold water.
3. Little Deer Hill and Big Deer Hill
TWO-SUMMIT RIVER EXPERIENCE
Little Deer Hill and Big Deer Hill trail network offers a great two-summit hiking experience with a total distance under four miles not including detours. This east-to-moderate difficulty trail includes a fun river crossing with some biggish, shallow pools for cooling off. Hikers can choose to tackle both summits or just one for a quick adventure in the beautiful Oxford County landscape.
4. Lord Hill and Pine Hill Trail
VERSATILE SUMMIT NETWORK
The Lord Hill and Pine Hill Trail network provides hikers with flexible options for experiencing Western Maine's natural beauty. The total network spans about seven miles, with individual hikes ranging from two to three miles of easy-to-moderate grade terrain. Hikers can choose to tackle both summits or just one, making this trail system adaptable to different fitness levels and time constraints.
5. White Horse Trail
SCENIC WOODLAND PATH
The White Horse Trail is one of the top hiking picks in the Stow area, offering outdoor enthusiasts a chance to experience Maine's natural beauty. The trail winds through woodland areas with varying terrain that showcases the region's diverse ecosystem. Hikers can enjoy the peaceful surroundings while getting exercise and connecting with nature along this scenic path.
6. Speckled Mountain via Bickford Brook Trail
MOUNTAIN SUMMIT ADVENTURE
Speckled Mountain via Bickford Brook Trail offers hikers a challenging trek through Western Maine's picturesque wilderness. The trail climbs steadily through forest terrain before opening up to spectacular summit views that reward the effort. This popular route attracts experienced hikers looking for both physical challenge and natural beauty in the greater Stow region.
7. Baldface Mountain
CHALLENGING SCENIC LOOP
Baldface Mountain is a challenging but incredibly rewarding hike located near the Maine-New Hampshire border, not far from Stow. The loop trail offers spectacular views from multiple vantage points, including exposed alpine terrain above treeline. While longer and more strenuous than some nearby options, the remarkable scenery makes this a bucket list hike for many outdoor enthusiasts in the region.
8. Diana's Baths
CASCADING NATURAL WATERFALL
Diana's Baths is a series of small cascading waterfalls and pools located a short drive from Stow in neighboring New Hampshire. The relatively easy 0.6-mile trail makes this natural attraction accessible to hikers of all skill levels, including families with children. Visitors can enjoy the refreshing pools during summer months or simply appreciate the scenic beauty of water tumbling over smooth granite surfaces throughout the year.
9. Cathedral Ledge
PANORAMIC VALLEY VIEWS
Cathedral Ledge rises 700 feet above the Saco River Valley floor, offering some of the most spectacular views in the Mount Washington Valley near Stow. Hikers can reach the summit via a 2.3-mile trail that winds through forest before emerging onto exposed granite with panoramic vistas. The ledge is also popular with rock climbers, making it an excellent spot for hikers to observe technical climbing while enjoying the natural scenery.
10. Evans Notch
SCENIC MOUNTAIN PASSAGE
Evans Notch is a scenic mountain pass along the Maine-New Hampshire border that offers multiple hiking trails of varying difficulty. The area features dramatic cliffs, dense forests, and crystal-clear streams that exemplify Western Maine's natural beauty. Hikers can access several trail networks from this area, making it an excellent starting point for exploring the White Mountain National Forest region near Stow.