West Forks MaineHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near West Forks, Maine.
1. Mosquito Mountain
SUMMIT PANORAMIC VIEWS
Mosquito Mountain offers hikers a rewarding trek with a moderate to steep ascent leading to its summit. The peak provides sweeping 360-degree vistas, including views of Indian Pond and dramatic sunset scenes from its rocky ledges. Its unique name derives from the mountain's shape, rather than any excess of insects on the trail.
2. Pleasant Pond Mountain
CHALLENGING MOUNTAIN HIKE
Pleasant Pond Mountain features both a steeper 1.6-mile option from the west or a gentler 5-mile ascent from the east to its 2,447-foot summit. The hike rewards adventurers with excellent views of the surrounding forests and lakes. Its varied terrain makes it suitable for both experienced and novice hikers seeking an immersive outdoor experience.
3. Moxie Falls
SPECTACULAR WATERFALL TRAIL
Moxie Falls features one of New England's tallest and most impressive waterfalls, accessible via a popular and relatively short forested trail. The hike is suitable for most skill levels, making it a family-friendly outing with rewarding scenic payoffs. Along the way, hikers can enjoy pleasant woodlands before reaching dramatic views of the plunging falls.
4. The Forks Area Scenic Trail
RIVERSIDE GRAVEL PATH
The Forks Area Scenic Trail runs along the Kennebec River, offering four miles of well-maintained gravel trail ideal for hiking, biking, and enjoying the outdoors. The trail is family- and dog-friendly, providing easy access through mixed woods and connecting to local campgrounds and the rivers' meeting point. It also forms part of a larger network extending throughout the Kennebec River Valley.
5. Grand Falls
REMOTE WATERFALL ADVENTURE
Grand Falls is a stunning and broad waterfall on the Dead River, accessible via a moderate hike or drive followed by a short walk. The site is popular for its scenic beauty, providing expansive views and the soothing sounds of cascading water. Visitors often combine the hike with fishing or picnicking for a full day of outdoor relaxation.
6. Appalachian Trail (Caratunk/The Forks Section)
ICONIC LONG-DISTANCE PATH
The Appalachian Trail passes through the The Forks region, with local trailheads providing access to this legendary route. Hikers traverse mixed forests, ridgelines, and scenic valleys, often encountering wildlife and panoramic vistas. The Caratunk area is particularly known for its beautiful river crossings and peaceful wilderness.
7. Bald Mountain
CLASSIC WESTERN MAINE HIKE
Bald Mountain is located just south of West Forks and offers a relatively short, rewarding hike to open summit views. The trail leads through forested slopes to rocky outcrops with clear panoramas of nearby lakes and hills. It is a popular destination for locals and visitors seeking moderate effort with excellent payoffs.
8. Moxie Bald Mountain
EXPANSIVE SUMMIT VIEWS
Moxie Bald Mountain is a notable peak along the Appalachian Trail, with a trailhead near Caratunk north of West Forks. The hike features moderate to challenging grades and unveils remarkable 360-degree views from its bald summit. Its remote setting appeals to those seeking both solitude and breathtaking scenery.
9. Houston Brook Falls
SECLUDED FOREST WATERFALL
Houston Brook Falls is a hidden gem located south of West Forks, featuring a short wooded trail that leads to a scenic multi-tiered waterfall. The site is perfect for a quick nature escape, offering rocky pools and a peaceful atmosphere. It is a favorite among photographers and those seeking a tranquil spot off the beaten path.
10. Dead River Trail
RIVERFRONT WILDERNESS WALK
The Dead River Trail follows the scenic banks of the Dead River, providing a relatively flat, easy hike through mixed hardwood forests and along tranquil waters. It is popular for spotting wildlife, quiet nature walks, and fishing opportunities. The trail showcases the wild character of Maine's backcountry with minimal crowds.