Indian Mountain, AMC Maine Woods Initiative

This 2,341-foot mountain provides a scenic backdrop for quite a few photos from the shores of the Little Lyford Ponds tucked below it.

You’ll also get lovely views in various directions if you hike up the moderate 1.9 miles to the top. During hiking season, the mountain is a favorite destination for guests staying at Little Lyford Lodge, since it is close by, a moderate hike that’s good for kids, and offers great views. You can leave right from the lodge or park at a trailhead on Upper Valley Road.

The first true lookout you’ll reach, at roughly 1.4 miles from the Upper Valley Road trailhead, is called Laurie’s Ledge, which gives you fabulous vistas north. On a clear day, you’ll see Katahdin. (The ledge is named for former AMC Board of Directors Laurie Burt.) If you continue past the ledge, you’ll also get a great look at the Barren Mountain ridge.

From the lookout, it’s another 0.5 miles to the final spot, a small break in the small conifers that offers amazing views west and north of Moosehead Lake and Elephant Mountain. The trail skirts the true summit of Indian Mountain.

Directions: From Greenville, take KI Road past the gatehouse to where it hits a T-junction. You’ll see a sign for Little Lyford Lodge here; go left. Continue on the road as it takes a left turn and becomes Upper Valley Road. Go past the driveway for Little Lyford Lodge and you’ll see the parking area for the trailhead on the left. Best to have a high-clearance vehicle.