Hiking Hawk Mountain in Waterford, Maine: An Easy Climb with Big Lakes-Region Views

Not every great view in Maine requires a grueling climb. In the Oxford Hills of western Maine, the short trail up Hawk Mountain in Waterford rewards a modest effort with open cliffs and a sweeping panorama of lakes, forest, and distant peaks. It is a perfect family hike and a hidden gem of the Lakes Region. Here is what to know.

About Hawk Mountain

Hawk Mountain sits in the small town of Waterford, in Oxford County, western Maine, with a summit of about 1,072 feet. Its trails are part of the Hatch Preserve at Hawk Mountain, protected and maintained by the Western Foothills Land Trust — so while the White Mountains are visible from the top, the mountain itself is a local conservation preserve, free and open to the public year-round for hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing.

The Trail

This is a genuinely easy hike. The most direct path to the summit is under a mile, and a pleasant loop of roughly 1.5 to 1.9 miles — gaining only about 300 feet — can be done comfortably in under an hour. The trails are well marked and suitable for beginners and children, though a few spots near the top are rocky, so sturdy shoes are a good idea. The trailhead is on Hawk Mountain Road in Waterford, with parking at the preserve.

The Summit and the View

The reward comes at the top, where broad open ledges offer a wide, sweeping view to the south over the Lakes Region and the Oxford Hills. Pleasant Mountain stands out prominently on the horizon, and on a clear day the White Mountains of New Hampshire gleam in the distance. It is a fine place to spread out a picnic and watch the sky — and, true to the mountain’s name, to spot hawks and other raptors riding the updrafts along the ridge.

Woods and Wildlife

The walk up passes through pretty mixed forest of spruce, fir, and hardwoods, opening to low shrubs and wildflowers near the summit ledges. Birdlife is a highlight — besides the namesake hawks, you may hear songbirds throughout the woods — and the quiet, lightly traveled trails make for a peaceful outing in any season, from spring green to autumn color.

Know Before You Go

• It is easy, but come prepared. Bring water, a snack, and a layer, since the open summit can be cool and breezy.
• Wear good footwear. The upper trail has some rocky, uneven footing.
• Check the weather. Skip the exposed ledges in storms, and remember conditions change fast in the hills.
• Tread lightly. Stay on the marked trails and pack out everything to help the land trust keep this preserve beautiful.

More Western Maine Hikes

Hawk Mountain pairs well with the rest of the Oxford Hills and western mountains. A short drive away, the resort town of Bethel opens onto Grafton Notch and Sunday River, and the Fryeburg area offers another great short climb up Mount Tom. Travelers heading west from central Maine often pass through the Kennebec Valley; our own town of Winslow, with its colonial-era Fort Halifax, makes a fitting stop along the way into the hills.

Frequently Asked Questions