Name: Blueberry Mountain
Location: Stow, Maine
Distance: 4 mile out and back
Elevation Gain: 1,190 ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: Forest views, wildflowers, dogs allowed on leash
There are a few different trails that you can take to get to the summit and each one is located on private property, so everyone should be respectful not only to the land owners, but also to nature. We completed the White Cairn to Stone House Trail which is a 4 mile loop with an elevation gain of 1,190 ft. We took the White Cairn Trail to the summit and the Stone House Trail down where we stopped and enjoyed the Rattlesnake Pool. Spoiler alert, the Rattlesnake Pool is incredible and you have to stop and see it.
The White Cairn to Stone House trailhead was difficult to find, but thankfully the AllTrails map saved the day. The parking lot had plenty of spaces for multiple cars but was empty when we arrived. We knew ahead of time that the forecast for the day was foggy with scattered showers, but we decided we would chance it in hopes that the fog would burn off by the time we got to the summit. Unlike most trails, this one did not immediately start at the parking lot. First we passed through the Stone House trail gate, then we followed a dirt road until it led us to the White Cairn Trail sign, then into the woods.
As we entered the woods, we began to get bombarded by mosquitoes. We realized that this was most likely how the rest of the hike was going to be due to how damp and foggy it was. Nature was slowly coming back to life after the long and cold winter we previously had so the trail was vibrant and green even with the darker sky and dead leaves covering the ground. The path was a little muddy and some of the rocks and leaves were slippery, but it wasn’t a hindrance if you paid attention.
This was the first “big” trail of the season, so as the elevation increased, so did my breathing. It was a little muggy out, but at this point I was happy that the day was foggy and cloudy so it wasn’t too hot and uncomfortable. Unfortunately, I was also in my head about missing a great summit view due to the fog. Between having to pay attention to my feet so that I didn’t slip and having good company, I was able to push through the disappointing thoughts and focus on the good. I was happy to be able to be outside enjoying the day, hiking a new mountain, clearing my mind, spending quality time with a friend, and making memories.
The further we went, the more rock scrambling we did. I used to be scared of any type of rock scrambling, but the more I do, the more comfortable I get. I personally like that it adds another challenge to the hike, like another obstacle that makes getting to the summit worth it. The closer we got to the summit, the more we could tell that the fog was starting to burn off, but it wasn’t enough that we would get the view we were expecting. It was actually really cool to see the fog slowly lifting on the top of the mountain, it made the view looking up kind of eerie.
As we reached the summit we were sweaty, chewed up by mosquitoes, tired, and still a little sad over the view, but we made the most of it. We sat at the top and just chatted for about a half hour, had a photo shoot, and just took it all in. We pushed through the toughest part of the trail and moving forward it was all downhill. The fog hadn’t fully lifted, but the sun was starting to shine through giving us some hope for blue skies.
To get to the Stone House trail we had to walk by the summit rock pile, through a flat and open area that was full of rocks, puddles, and some pretty pink flowers that were already blooming. The top of the mountain had a few signs that made it easy to find which way we needed to go. Up to this point we had not run into anyone else on the trail. We did at the top because the other groups had gone the opposite way up. We wanted to end the trail with the Rattlesnake Pool, so I think we may have chosen to go the hardest way up, but it made seeing the pool even more worth it.
We followed the Stone House trail down taking in the forest views, enjoying how easy this side was, while still being eaten alive but mosquitoes. When we saw the Rattlesnake Pool sign we knew that we were close to finishing the trail, but had this one last sight to see. We took the trail to the left and made our way to the pool. The pictures that I have seen of the pool were incredible, but nothing prepared me for how it would look in person. Not only is the water crystal clear, but the emerald green color is even more vibrant and stunning in person. We sat on the rocks around the pool in silence and just listened to the water rushing down for a few minutes. We wanted to spend more time here, but the mosquitoes around the water were ruthless, so we made our way back to the trail.
The closer we got to the end of the trail the more we felt the day getting warmer and the sun shining through the trees. We found another sign further down that veered off of the trail where there was bridge that went over a small stream and a waterfall. Of course we explored this because anytime there is a vista or a lookout area, I have to see it. Standing on the bridge while watching and listening to the water flow down the stream was peaceful. It was a nice way to take a break before heading back to the trail.
This side of the trail ended just how the it started, on a dirt road that leads back to the parking lot. When the trail ended it opened up to a dirt road and open field, the skies were blue and the sun was out. Even though we didn’t get the view that we wanted at the summit, there was something so special and satisfying about walking back to the car in the sun shine. It was a good reminder that even when things don’t go our way we still should remain positive because good things will come. This was the perfect ending to the hike after so many emotional changes throughout the day.
Overall, as I have mentioned many times, we did not get the summit view we wanted. However, the day was worthwhile and I am happy we stuck with it. The trail was beautiful and the Rattlesnake Pool was the chefs kiss to the entire day. The drive out was long and it took a little bit to get back into town to grab food, but I would do it again – especially to get a real summit view.
Want to learn more about this trail? Check out the AllTrails information and map here.
