Mt. Waldo, Frankfort

This is a lovely mountain (~1,064 feet), with gorgeous views that stretch as far as Acadia and the Camden Hills from its bountiful open ledges and summit. There’s a radio tower at the top that might whistle in high winds.

There are three ways to summit — all good and different, though I recommend the Murray Lane trail. The Murray Lane trail begins on the section of the mountain — about 160 acres — that is protected by the Maine Coast Heritage Trust. (However, if you start and end from the Mt. Waldo Road trailhead, you can cool off at the quarry at the completion of your hike!)

Murray Lane trailhead: This path is about 1.4 miles one way. In 2023 and 2024, the Maine Coast Heritage Trust rerouted and improved the lower section of the trail, blazing it blue. They also built a parking lot and kiosk at the trailhead. About half way up, the trail passes onto private land and switches over to yellow blazes, with additional sporadic cairns once you hit the ledge. This route was easy to follow on a snowless January day, and really delightful! You’ll walk through an airy oak forest before coming out on the ledges, where the views start opening up. The very last section, just below the summit, can be eroded and wet. Additionally, take caution on the flat ledge, which can be very slippery when wet or icy.

Mt. Waldo Road trailhead: Another popular way this mountain is starting from the end of Mt. Waldo Road, which will bring you to the summit in about 2.2 miles. If you go this way, you begin and end at the splendid quarry, which is about a half mile from the parking area. Parking is at the gate on one side of the road. The first half mile is up a steep road — this is perhaps the steepest part of the hike! (There is a nice view from this section where the road swings left.) The quarry is reached in 0.5 miles. Right before you get to the quarry, you’ll come to an intersection with a path heading off to your left. I recommend taking this path — it is easy to follow and relatively well marked, bringing you around the quarry (with a great view) and up to the mountain path. Otherwise, if you head right at this point, you’ll reach the quarry and then it can be difficult to find the right path — it seems there are numerous herd paths and routes around the rocks and cliffs. If you want to reach the quarry, just go left at the intersection below it. (Don’t jump from the rocks!)

Once you rise above the quarry, the path levels off a bit, and the remaining 1.4 miles is mostly a gentle climb, with orange blazes on trees and rocks. There’s a short, steep(ish) section at 1.5 miles from the trailhead, but it’s not too bad. When you reach the tower, look for the orange arrows painted on the rocks and swing around to the south of the tower for the best view.

Tyler Lane trailhead: Perhaps the fastest way up the mountain — and it is not too steep, although walking straight up the ledge can be wearisome — is from the trailhead off Tyler Lane. After you pass the gate, you’ll walk along a pretty lane. Once you are past the blueberry barrens, the lane veers right. Hikers should stay left and start straight up the power lines. You’ll soon hit the open ledge, with the towers and summit in sight. This trail is about 0.9 miles. Be careful in inclement weather.

Here’s a guide from the Belfast Bay Watershed Coalition.

Directions: The Murray Lane trailhead is about 1 mile from the intersection of Murray Lane and Spout Hill Road. Directions from MCHT: From the junction of Routes 1A and 174 in Prospect, follow Route 1A north. Drive one mile and then turn left onto Spout Hill Road. In 0.7 mile, turn sharply left onto Murray Lane. Continue 1.1 miles to parking area on the right. (When you pass Laffin Road on your right, you’ll continue straight on Murray Lane, which becomes a bit narrower and rougher beyond this point. While Murray Lane is an uneven dirt road I was able to drive it easily in a low-clearance car in 2024.)

The Mt. Waldo Road trailhead is at the end of the dead-end Mt. Waldo Road. There is room for parking on one side of the street. There is a gate, but no sign for Mt. Waldo (when I visited).

To reach the Tyler Lane trailhead, you’ll drive about 1.7 miles down Tyler Lane — a well-maintained dirt road passable by low-clearance cars — before coming to a narrow dirt lane on your left. You’ll see a gate a short ways up this lane. There’s plenty of parking but be sure not to block the drive.