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-vacation to Maine to visit Amy’s dad’s camp in Hingham. It wasn’t so much a vacation as a trip to spread some of her brother Paul’s ashes in places he loved to visit and hunt. We decided to take our time driving from New Hampshire into Maine, looking for a hike before heading to the Sterling Inn for the night. Along the way, we stopped a few times for bathroom breaks and to stretch our legs, and during one of these stops, I found a nearby hike that seemed perfect—not too long or difficult, and with great views. Mount Will is located in the Bethel Town Forest.
The trailhead parking kiosk off US Route 2 in Bethel, Maine offers a decent amount of parking for this hike.
At the junction of the Mount Will Trail loop, you can head toward either the South Cliffs or the North Cliffs. We chose the South Cliffs for our ascent.
Along the Mount Will Trail, a local school group has placed interpretive signs. It’s amazing the things you can discover while hiking.
After passing through a logged-out stretch of the Mount Will Trail, the path climbs toward the South Cliffs with a bit of steepness, but the switchbacks make the ascent more manageable.
From the South Cliffs of Mount Will, you can enjoy stunning views of Bethel and the gorgeous mountains that frame it.
The information sign just past the South Cliffs didn’t specify what kind of steps were being counted. I had us at around 4,000 for the hike so far.
The summit of Mount Will, at 1,729 feet, was reached after a short and easy bushwhack, but it was wooded, offering no views.
Several peaks—and a few peeks—come into view as we head north toward the stunning North Cliff lookout.
A vernal pool lies between the South Cliff and North Cliff areas. These seasonal wetlands usually fill with water in the spring and dry up in the summer, providing great habitat for frogs, turtles, and salamanders.
The descent from the North Cliffs was quick and easy, with a few switchbacks guiding the way down the trail. We only came across one other person and their dog during the entire loop. Overall, it was a pleasant hike with decent views and minimal difficulty—a perfect late spring or early summer day out on the trail.
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
After checking into the Sterling Inn for our Saturday night stay, we decided to visit nearby Moxie Falls, one of Maine’s tallest waterfalls, featuring a single drop of about 90 feet, before grabbing some food. The parking lot for the falls, located off Lake Moxie Road, is a decent size and can accommodate several cars. A light breeze kept the bugs away, making the short hike to the falls even more enjoyable.
Most of the trail to Moxie Falls is wide and made of compacted dirt, making it an easy walk with minimal elevation change.
About half a mile down the trail to Moxie Falls, you’ll come across a woods road featuring a welcome sign for the Moxie Falls Scenic Area.
From the sign to Moxie Falls, steps and boardwalks guide you all the way down to the waterfall.
Moxie Falls as seen from one of the boardwalk viewing spots.
The view of Moxie Falls from above was stunning. I got as close as I could without risking a fall or hurting myself.
After a quick walk uphill, we made our way back to the car and headed to the Kennebec River Pub and Brewery for a bite to eat before returning to the Inn. It’s always a treat to witness Mother Nature at work and the power of rushing water, and these falls were such a fun stop to visit.
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