Mount Will Trail Loop

The Mount Will Trail Loop is located in Bethel, Oxford County, Maine. The trailhead is typically accessed from a dedicated parking area. The trail is part of the 115-acre Bethel Town Forest.

Yes, dogs are allowed on the Mount Will Trail Loop. Please ensure your dog is either on a leash or under strict voice command to ensure a pleasant experience for all hikers and to protect local wildlife.

The trail offers different experiences throughout the year. Fall is popular for vibrant foliage. Winter is suitable for snowshoeing, though some sections can become icy before significant snowfall. Late July and early August are great for finding wild blueberries along the path.

No, there are no permits or entrance fees required to hike the Mount Will Trail Loop within the Bethel Town Forest. It is freely accessible to the public.

While generally considered moderate, the trail does include short, steep sections and some bedrock ridges that may require using hands and feet to climb. It can be challenging for children but is doable. Hikers should be prepared for areas with loose dirt on steep inclines.

The Mount Will Trail Loop is approximately 3 miles (4.7 km) long and typically takes about two hours to complete, depending on your pace and how long you spend enjoying the viewpoints.

The terrain varies, including sections of dirt/forest floor and rock/ledge. You'll encounter steep climbs, switchbacks, and bedrock ridges. Portions pass through recently harvested forests, deciduous tree stands, and a wooded summit.

The trail is known for its two main viewpoints: the North Ledges and the South Cliffs. The View from Mt. Will Trail (South Cliffs) offers open vistas of Bethel and the Androscoggin River Valley. The North Ledges provide views of the Androscoggin River. You might also find interpretive signs, the Gray Memorial, wild blueberries in season, and sparkly mica rocks.

Hiking counter-clockwise leads to a steep climb along a harvested forest edge before a long switchback to the North Ledges. Going clockwise, you'll first pass through a harvested forest, then steep switchbacks to the South Cliffs. Both directions offer unique perspectives, but the South Cliffs generally provide more expansive views.

The property is known to be a wintering ground for deer, particularly on the southerly and easterly portions. While specific sightings vary, the diverse forest environment supports various local wildlife.

Yes, the trail features a series of interpretive signs, especially from the trailhead to the North Ledges. These signs, crafted by a local school group, provide information about the area's natural resources, trees, and logging history, making it an educational hike.