Mount Will
Location: Bethel, Maine
Mileage: 3.65 Miles
Elevation Gain: 1005 Feet
Trails Used: Mount Will Trail (North and South Loop), Bushwhack
Views: None from Actual Summit, Several Ledges with 180 Degree Views
Difficulty: Moderate
Hiking Lists: None
We took a three-day mini-Maine vacation to go to Amy's Dads camp in Hingham. Less vaction really as it was to go and spread some of Amy's brother Paul's ashes in places he loved to visit and hunt. We decided we would take our time to drive into Maine from New Hampshire but look for a place to hike before we headed for the Sterling Inn, where we would stay for the night. We stopped a few times for bathroom breaks and to stretch our legs and while doing this, I found a hike nearby that could fit the bill. Not too long, too hard and with views. Mount Will is located in the Bethel Town Forest.
The trailhead parking kiosk off of US Route 2 in Bethel, Maine. There is a decent amount of parking available for this hike.
The junction of the loop hike for the Mount Will Trail. You can go either way; South Cliffs or the North Cliffs. We decided on the South Cliffs for our ascent.
Interpretive sings placed along the Mount Will Trail by a local school group. It is interesting the things you learn sometimes while hiking.
After you hike through a logged-out section of the Mount Will Trail, you head up towards the South Cliffs a bit steeply, but switchbacks help to lessen the uphill.
The views from the South Cliffs on Mount Will, looking towards the town of Bethel and the surrounding mountains.
This information sign just past the South Cliffs didn't say what kind of steps were counted for this. I had us at about 4000 for the hike so far
The actual summit of Mount Will, elevation 1729 feet, required a short and easy bushwhack and was wooded, so no views.
Several peaks (and peeks) looking north as we hike our way over to the North Cliff views
Vernal pool in between the South Cliff and North Cliff areas. These wet areas typically fill with water in the spring and then dry up in summer and good habitat for frogs, turtles and salamanders.
The hike down from the North Cliffs was quick and uneventful, with a few switchbacks to get you down the trail. I think we saw one other person and a dog for the whole loop hike. Overall, not a bad hike with decent views and not very difficult. A perfect late spring/early summer day for a hike.
Moxie Falls
Location: Moxie Gore, Maine
Mileage: 1.8 Miles
Elevation Gain: 150 Feet
Trails Used: Moxie Falls Path
Views: Views from boardwalks around the falls
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Hiking Lists: None
We checked into the Sterling Inn where we were staying Saturday night, and we decided to check out nearby Moxie Falls, which is one of Maine's highest waterfalls, with a single vertical drop of about 90 feet and then get some food. The parking area for the falls is off Lake Moxie Road and is a fairly decent sized lot for cars to park. There was still a slight breeze that helped to keep the bugs at bay for this short hike down to the falls.
Most of the trail down to Moxie Falls is compacted dirt and wide so it was easy to walk down to the falls with not much elevation loss/gain
About a half mile down the trail to Moxie Falls, you come to a wood's road with this welcome sign for the Moxie Falls Scenic Area
From the sign down to Moxie Falls, there are steps and boardwalks that take you down to the falls
Moxie Falls from one of the boardwalk viewing areas.
The view of Moxie Falls from above the falls. I tried to get as close as I could get without falling in or hurting myself
A quick walk uphill and back to the car and headed to the Kennebec River Pub and Brewery to get a bite to eat before we headed back to the Inn. It's always nice to see Mother Nature at work and how powerful the running water can be, and these falls were fun to visit.
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