Mount Blue State Park encompasses almost 7500 acres in the west central Maine town of Weld. It’s the second largest state park in Maine, and is located about two hours from Portland and over an hour from Augusta. The park has an elevation of just over 1200 feet, meaning you’re breathing mountain air every minute you’re here.
One central feature here are the number of peaks, including Mt. Blue, Tumbledown, Little Jackson, and Blueberry. Each one is right around 3,000 elevation. More on them later in the hiking section. Another feature is Webb Lake, an expansive setting for swimming, boating, and fishing.
This Maine state park has good accessibility with that being rated highest for a number of features, including the picnic area and shelter, the boat launch, ADA campsites, and the Nature Center.
Nearby Parks
Activities
Given the size of this setting, it’s easy to surmise there’s lots to do at Mt. Blue State Park. That is certainly true!
Aside from size, this is a year-round destination making it a go-to destination for fun adventures based on the season. You can enjoy ATV outings, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, hunting, hiking, horseback riding, bird and wildlife watching, fishing, picnicking, camping, motorized boating, or going out in personal watercraft.
You can also access the nearby public lands associated with the Tumbledown mountain range. Please note camping is not permitted in those areas. Yup, there’s plenty of options right within the park, including a playground and group picnic shelter for a reunion, wedding, or other special event.
Boating
With over 2100 acres of water surface and a maximum depth of 40 feet, Webb Lake is a pleasant place for boating. There’s a boat launch for your motorized or personal water craft. Be sure to bring your SUP along if you have one. There are canoes and kayaks available to rent right at the shore. The boating, swimming, and picnic areas are next to each other, making it convenient for groups engaged in varied activities.
Swimming
Going for a swim here is fun and safe. It’s sandy underfoot with a gradual increase in depth. You can lounge on the lawn, along the sandy shore, or in one of the nearby shady picnic spots. Even the group picnic shelter is right there, so you can gather and then go for a dip.
There’s a changing area and restrooms for your convenience. Please keep an eye on weather and water conditions as wind can pick up quickly in this location. This is especially important as there aren’t any lifeguards on duty.
Hiking
The park and nearby public lands offer numerous hiking spots. No matter what your ability, you’ll find something just right for your interests. There’s even one mountain with a pond at the top! Hiking in this area can change suddenly, even during warmer months.
There is limited or no cell coverage. Please take steps needed to stay safe. Leashed pets are welcome if they’re up to some of these hefty climbs.
There are easy to moderate trails that are dirt and forest floor going along the lake’s edge and in the campground:
- Mount Blue Trail is said to be advanced. There’s a lookout at the top that expands your view of the area.
- Tumbledown has a variety of moderate to advanced hiking trails. There are expansive views and a chance to swim in the alpine pond as your reward for reaching the top.
- Blueberry Mountain is another moderate to advanced climb. At the peak, you’ll enjoy 360-degree views and a crop of blueberries toward summer’s end.
- Center Hill Trail has surprisingly sweeping vistas for being an easy trail for your family, including pets.
Biking and Horseback Riding
There are diverse mountain biking options in and around Mt. Blue State Park.
The park’s multi-use trails are depicted on this map. They start at the park headquarters on Center Hill Road in Weld. Though this setting seems out-of-the-way, it provides just the sort of adventuring you come to expect in western Maine.
Although somewhat risky because of vehicles, the dirt roads in and around the Tumbledown Range are another cycling option.
Winter Activities
The park and nearby public lands are in a part of Maine that gets deep snow. That makes for outdoor winter fun, such as:
- The 11 miles of easy, networked Cross Country Ski Trails off the Center Hill area. It is groomed and pets are not allowed during ski season.
- You can snowshoe in the same vicinity although both of these 1.5-mile one-way trail options will give you a workout.
- While you’re up in the Center Hill area, check out the sliding and skating.
- There are 38 miles of snowmobile trails associated with the park. These connect with the extensive system in the area.
Fishing
You can fish at Mount Blue State Park during both summer and winter fishing seasons, following the inland fishing laws. Summer fishing at Webb Lake is generally done from a boat. Varieties caught here include landlocked salmon, brook and brown trout, smallmouth bass, pickerel, and white and yellow perch.
Birding
This park is a birder’s delight as there’s a variety at any time of year. On or near the lake during the summer you’re bound to see common loons and Canada geese, with occasional re-throated grebes and mergansers. The quiet, marshy areas attract kingfishers and great blue herons. Western Maine is enjoying an increase in the bald eagle population, so be on the lookout!
In the park’s more wooded areas you’ll see, or hear, wild turkeys and partridge, along with barred and saw-whet owls, including during the winter. In more open areas, you may see northern flickers and American woodcocks during the breeding season. A variety of warblers are here during the same time of year along with thrushes and scarlet tanagers.
Nature & Wildlife
Yes, moose climb up mountains, so don’t be surprised if you see one, or evidence that it’s recently travelled where you’re climbing. They can be spotted any time of year, as are deer, bobcats, Canada lynx, and fox. Bear are fond of raiding anything to do with food, except during the winter hibernation.
Don’t be surprised to hear baying during the night, as that’s when coyotes are on the prowl.
During the summer, you’re likely to see painted and snapping turtles out on the lake, some of the latter getting rather large. Otter and beaver come and go as they seek out quiet spots around the lake.
Pets
Leashed pets are welcome at the park as long as you clean up after them and assure they are attended.
Camping
There are 136 camping sites amongst the woods, accommodating tents, pop-ups, plus large rigs. There are sites with hookups and there is a dumping station. Some sites can be reserved ahead of your visit, while others are first come. Each site has a table, fireplace, and firewood to buy. There are a couple of wheelchair accessible sites, with ADA bathrooms nearby.
Drinking water is available throughout the camping area as are restrooms and showers, with a couple of dishwashing stations. There four group camping spots, three are for tents and one for RVs. Each tenting site has an Adirondack shelter, with one of these settings being at the base of Mount Blue.
Park Location
Mount Blue State Park
299 Center Hill Road
Weld, ME 04285
Phone: 207.585.2347
Map
Video
Here is a short YouTube video showcasing several attractions at Mount Blue State Park:
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