Mount Will

This is a doable hike for little kids while still being challenging, with rewarding views from two spots along the 3-mile loop: the South Cliffs and North Ledges. The wooded summit, at 1,729 feet, is viewless. If you do the loop clockwise, South Ledges is about a 1-mile moderate climb from the parking lot. The next 0.4 miles after the cliffs, as you head to the summit, gets a bit steeper.

At about 0.4 miles past the South Cliffs, when the terrain levels out, you’ll see a sign for the Gray Memorial, a memorial plaque on a rock for a couple who died in a plane crash in 1992 — Maine State Police Trooper Leroy Gray and his wife, Brenda. The lone survivor was Karen M. Gray. To reach this spot, walk a quarter mile along the old road or snowmobile path. Be sure to return to the footpath on the return — the old woods road continues in either direction and it is easy to walk right by the path!

If you head counter-clockwise from the parking area, North Ledges is about 0.8 miles. The views from this open area are not quite as striking or expansive as South Cliffs, as there are some trees obstructing the full vista.

Along with a few nature signs along the loop, there are fun panels that inform you how many steps you have taken at the mile markers! This is either encouraging or wearying, depending on your mood.

Directions: From town, take Route 2 north. The Mount Will parking lot is just under two miles past the Sunday River Brewing Company, on the left. The parking area, at 1070 US Route 2, is on the left, directly across the Bethel recycling and transfer station.