This is my hometown hike and I’ve probably been up Mount Agamenticus at least 20 time. Even if you don’t want to hike it, you can also drive to the top. There are several trails up to the summit and a ring trail around the mountain.
Quick stats
| Ring Trail to Summit Loop | Blueberry Bluff (out-and-back) | Drive up + Big A loop | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Distance | 2.2 mi loop | ~0.6 mi round trip from summit lot | ~1 mi loop |
| Time | 1.5 hrs, no rush | 30 min | 20-30 min |
| Difficulty | Moderate | Hard for its length (steep bedrock) | Easy |
| Best for | The real hike | Views without the full commitment | Kids, grandparents, bad knees |
- Summit elevation: under 700 ft
- Trail type: Loops and short out-and-backs
- Dogs / Fee / Parking: dogs are allowed on leash
- Best season: Fall for foliage, spring for fewer people. Skip the bedrock trails when wet.
The Mount Agamenticus Hike
Start at the southern base lot and follow the Ring Trail. It’s a gradual climb through hemlock and oak, and it crosses old ski runs from when this was the Big A ski area. Ring circles the mountain, so you’ll pass a bunch of side trails. Stay on Ring until you reach the Witch Hazel Trail, then turn right for the last push to the summit. It’s about 0.4 miles and it does climb.
The summit itself is a mixed bag. There’s a fire tower, a field, and usually a few people who drove up, so it’s not a wilderness moment. The view is still good, with the ocean to the south and, on a clear day, the White Mountains way off to the northwest.
If you want a little more, the side trails are where it gets fun. Blueberry Bluff and Vulture’s View are both short but steep, over exposed granite that gets slick in the rain. Vulture’s View has the better view. The trail network is huge (around 40 trails), so grab a map at the trailhead, because the junctions add up fast.
Getting there and parking
Take Mountain Road up to the base lots or, if you’re skipping the climb, all the way to the summit. Weekends in summer and fall fill up, so I’d get there by 9 or earlier. Mountain bikers love this place too, so keep an ear out on the Ring Trail.
Worth it?
Yes, though I wouldn’t call it a destination hike. It’s a great local mountain that happens to have a good view, and it works best when you pick the length you want. I’d do the Ring loop for a proper walk and use the drive-up option when you’ve got people with you who won’t hike. If you’re only in Maine for the big peaks, it can wait.
Author: gstuppy
Gretchen is a New Hampshire-based travel writer, outdoor adventurer, and founder of New England Uncovered. With over 20 years of experience in outdoor education and a passion for exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations, she shares firsthand guides to New England's best hikes, hidden gems, and outdoor adventures. When she's not writing, you'll find her hiking, paddling, or exploring somewhere new with her family.
