Blueberry Mountain, located in Stow, Maine, offers a 4-mile out-and-back hike with an elevation gain of 1,190 feet, making it a moderate challenge. As you trek through the forest, you’ll be surrounded by beautiful views and, depending on the season, vibrant wildflowers. The trail is dog-friendly, so feel free to bring your furry companion along (on a leash). It’s a great hike for those looking to enjoy a mix of nature, scenic views, and some physical challenge. Want to learn more? Check out the AllTrails map and details here.
There are a few different routes to the summit of Blueberry Mountain, but it’s important to remember that the trails pass through private property, so it’s crucial to be respectful of both the landowners and the environment. We hiked the White Cairn to Stone House Trail, a 4-mile loop with an elevation gain of 1,190 feet. We took the White Cairn Trail to the summit and then descended via the Stone House Trail. Along the way, we made sure to stop at the stunning Rattlesnake Pool—trust me, it’s a must-see!
Finding the White Cairn to Stone House trailhead was a bit tricky, but luckily the AllTrails map guided us right to it. The parking lot was spacious and empty when we arrived, which was a pleasant surprise. We knew the forecast called for fog and scattered showers, but we decided to go for it, hoping the fog would clear by the time we reached the summit. Unlike many trails, this one didn’t start right from the parking lot. Instead, we passed through the Stone House trail gate and followed a dirt road until we reached the White Cairn Trail sign, which marked the entrance to the woods.
As soon as we entered the woods, we were greeted by a swarm of mosquitoes, which we quickly realized would likely be a constant companion throughout the hike due to the damp, foggy conditions. Even though the sky was gray and the ground was covered in dead leaves, nature was starting to wake up after a long, cold winter. The trail was lush and green, and despite the moisture, the scenery felt alive. The path was a bit muddy, and some rocks and leaves were slippery, but it wasn’t too challenging as long as we stayed focused and careful.
This was my first “big” trail of the season, so as the elevation increased, I definitely felt my breathing get heavier. It was a bit muggy, but honestly, I was glad for the foggy, cloudy weather—it kept the temperature comfortable and avoided the intense heat. I did have some moments of disappointment, thinking about the great views I might be missing out on due to the fog. But with every step, focusing on my footing and enjoying the company of my friend, I was able to push those thoughts aside. I reminded myself how grateful I was to be outdoors, hiking a new mountain, clearing my mind, and making memories with someone special.
The further we hiked, the more rock scrambling we encountered. I used to be intimidated by rock scrambling, but the more I do it, the more confident I become. I actually enjoy the added challenge—it feels like another obstacle to conquer that makes reaching the summit even more rewarding. As we got closer to the top, we noticed the fog starting to lift, but it wasn’t quite enough for the view we had hoped for. Still, it was fascinating to watch the fog gradually clear from the mountain peak—it created an eerie, almost mystical atmosphere looking up.
By the time we reached the summit, we were sweaty, covered in mosquito bites, and definitely tired. The view wasn’t exactly what we had hoped for, but we made the best of it. We spent about half an hour sitting at the top, chatting, taking photos, and just soaking in the moment. We had made it through the toughest part of the hike, and from here on out, it was all downhill. Although the fog hadn’t completely lifted, we could see the sun starting to peek through, giving us a glimpse of the blue skies we were hoping for.
To reach the Stone House trail, we had to pass by the summit’s rock pile and walk through a flat, open area scattered with rocks, puddles, and vibrant pink flowers that were already starting to bloom. At the summit, there were a few signs that guided us in the right direction. Up until this point, we hadn’t seen anyone else on the trail, but once we reached the top, we encountered a few groups who had taken the opposite route. Since we planned to end our hike at the Rattlesnake Pool, we may have chosen the more challenging path up, but it definitely made the reward of reaching the pool feel even more worthwhile.
We followed the Stone House trail down, enjoying the peaceful forest views and appreciating how much easier this side of the trail was, even though the mosquitoes were relentless. When we saw the Rattlesnake Pool sign, we knew we were getting close to the end of the hike but had one final stop to make. We turned left onto the trail leading to the pool, and while I had seen incredible pictures of it, nothing could have prepared me for how stunning it was in person. The water was crystal clear, with a vibrant emerald green color that was even more breathtaking up close. We sat quietly on the rocks around the pool for a few moments, listening to the sound of the rushing water. Although we wanted to stay longer, the mosquitoes near the water were too much to handle, so we decided to head back to the trail.
As we got closer to the end of the trail, we could feel the temperature rising and the sun shining through the trees, warming us up. Not far from there, we came across another sign that led off the trail to a bridge crossing a small stream with a waterfall. Naturally, we couldn’t resist exploring! Anytime there’s a lookout or a hidden gem like this, I have to check it out. Standing on the bridge, listening to the water flow and watching the stream rush by was so calming. It was the perfect little break before we headed back to finish the trail.
The final stretch of the trail brought us back to a dirt road that led straight to the parking lot, just like when we first started. As we walked out, the open field stretched before us, with clear blue skies and the sun shining down. Even though we didn’t get the view we hoped for at the summit, there was something really satisfying about walking back to the car in the warmth of the sun. It reminded me that even when things don’t go as planned, staying positive can lead to good moments. After a day of emotional ups and downs, this peaceful ending felt just right.
The hike at Blueberry Mountain was a perfect blend of challenges and rewards. From the initial struggle with the fog and the pesky mosquitoes to the rock scrambling and the peaceful moments at the summit, it was a journey that kept me on my toes. While we didn’t get the panoramic views we hoped for, the trail itself was beautiful, and there was something special about being immersed in the natural surroundings. The quiet moments on the mountain, along with the joy of making it to the summit, reminded me of how much I appreciate getting outside and experiencing nature, even if it doesn’t always go as expected. It was one of those hikes that left me feeling grateful for the adventure, the quiet moments, and the lessons learned along the way.
Do you have any hiking trails you’d recommend? I’d love to hear your suggestions!
I’d love to hear your recommendations for my next hiking adventure! Feel free to reach out to me through my social media links below or shoot me an email at hellopeaceofmindy@gmail.com. Let’s connect and share trail ideas!
All the photos featured in this blog post were taken by me, unless otherwise noted.
