Tumbledown Mountain
Conquer Tumbledown Mountain's rugged trails for breathtaking alpine views and the serene beauty of Tumbledown Pond.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful hike
Tumbledown Mountain
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful hike
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Conquer Tumbledown Mountain's rugged trails for breathtaking alpine views and the serene beauty of Tumbledown Pond.
"The views are very beautiful, but I think the loop trail is for experienced hikers only."
Loop Trail: Go Counter-Clockwise
Ascending the steep ladders and rocks is easier than descending them. :athletic_shoe:
Water is Key!
Bring extra water or a filter; the lake is your main water source. :droplet:
Quick Facts
Rating
4.9 · 94 reviews
Type
Natural Feature
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Tumbledown Pond
Summit
A stunning alpine pond offering breathtaking views and a serene spot to rest after a challenging hike.
The Loop Trail
Summit
An exhilarating, albeit challenging, route featuring steep climbs, rock scrambling, and ladder ascents.
Brook Trail
Base to Summit
A more gradual, steady uphill path leading to the summit, suitable for those seeking a less intense climb.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Choose Your Trail Wisely
Pack Smart for the Summit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Hiking spots
Me and my girlfriend got a car, to celebrate we want to go outside of our town to go for a hike, what are some good spots for beginners with good views?
Loop Trail: Go Counter-Clockwise
Ascending the steep ladders and rocks is easier than descending them. :athletic_shoe:
Water is Key!
Bring extra water or a filter; the lake is your main water source. :droplet:
New to Maine and looking for some good hiking spots
I'm not in the best shape and it's been months since I've been up the side of a mountain. I always find hiking to be a refreshing way to burn off some energy. I'm looking for suggestions on easy to moderate hiking spots. An acquaintance of mine has already recommended me to…
Sturdy Footwear Needed
The trails are rugged with significant rock scrambling. :hiking_boot:
Assess Your Fitness
The loop trail is for experienced hikers; consider the Brook Trail if unsure. 💪
Tips
from all over the internet
Loop Trail: Go Counter-Clockwise
Ascending the steep ladders and rocks is easier than descending them. :athletic_shoe:
Water is Key!
Bring extra water or a filter; the lake is your main water source. :droplet:
Sturdy Footwear Needed
The trails are rugged with significant rock scrambling. :hiking_boot:
Assess Your Fitness
The loop trail is for experienced hikers; consider the Brook Trail if unsure. 💪
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Tumbledown Mountain for its stunning alpine scenery and the rewarding challenge of its trails, particularly the loop. The Tumbledown Pond is a major highlight. However, the extreme steepness and technical nature of the loop trail are significant challenges, with some finding it too difficult or dangerous without proper preparation.
"I did the loop trail. The loop trail is VERY STEEP. Bring extra water or bring a water filter so you can drink water from the lake. The views are very beautiful, but I think the loop trail is for experienced hikers only. You gotta climb up ladders and scale giant rocks with a vertical drop off right behind you. I would high recommend doing the loop trail counter-clockwise because it’ll be too difficult to ascend the ladders and rocks then to hike down it. Took me about 6 hours to do the loop."
Thorpe
"What an amazing hike! Took the entire loop trail, plus a lot of walking around at Tumbledown Pond. The trails are very rugged with a lot of uphill climbing and rock scrambling towards the top."
Sheep Davis
"Such a great hike there are different trails we ended up going on the on the brook trail which is a steady up hill climb not to say extreme up hill... Just steady. Unfortunately we we're unable to find the climb to the end as one of our party members pulled a muscle. We are definitely going to plan another attempt here in the future."
Jeremy Furst
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Tumbledown Mountain is located in Weld, Maine. Access is typically via Route 156. Parking is available at the trailhead. Many visitors drive to the trailhead, so having a car is recommended for reaching this hiking spot.
Public transport options are very limited in this rural area. It is highly recommended to have your own vehicle or arrange a ride to reach Tumbledown Mountain.
While trails are marked, having a Tumbledown Mountain trail map is highly advisable, especially for tackling the loop trail. Download one beforehand or pick one up locally if available.
For a truly easy hike with great views, consider French's Mountain in Rome, ME. Tumbledown Mountain itself has the Brook Trail which is a steady uphill, but the loop trail is very challenging.
The driving distance varies depending on your starting point. It's a popular destination for day trips from surrounding towns and cities in Maine.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is typically no admission fee or ticket required to hike Tumbledown Mountain. However, parking may have a small fee or be on a first-come, first-served basis.
Tumbledown Mountain is generally open from dawn until dusk. It's an outdoor natural area, so there are no set operating hours, but hiking in the dark is not recommended.
While not always enforced, there might be a small parking fee or donation box at the trailhead. It's best to be prepared for a nominal charge.
Camping is not permitted directly on the Tumbledown Mountain trails or summit. However, there are options for camping near Tumbledown Mountain in the surrounding areas and campgrounds.
Visiting on a weekday, especially in the late afternoon, can significantly reduce crowds. Early mornings on weekends are also less busy than mid-day.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The Tumbledown Mountain hike varies greatly by trail. The loop trail is considered very steep and challenging, involving significant rock scrambling and ladders, suitable for experienced hikers. The Brook Trail is a steady uphill climb.
A full loop trail hike, including time spent at Tumbledown Pond, can take around 6 hours for experienced hikers. The Brook Trail might take less time depending on your pace.
The views from Tumbledown Mountain are described as very beautiful and amazing, especially from the summit and around Tumbledown Pond. You can see expansive landscapes and long ponds.
Amenities are minimal. You'll find a trailhead parking area. There are no restrooms or visitor centers on the mountain itself. Plan accordingly.
Wear sturdy hiking boots with good grip, comfortable athletic clothing, and layers as the weather can change. Gloves can be helpful for rock scrambling.
🍽️ 🍎 Food & Dining
There are no dining facilities directly at Tumbledown Mountain. You'll need to pack your own food and snacks for the hike.
Pack high-energy snacks like trail mix, energy bars, and sandwiches. Ensure you have plenty of water, or a reliable water filter for the lake.
Dining options are limited in the immediate vicinity. You'll find more choices in nearby towns like Weld or Farmington.
You can certainly enjoy a picnic lunch around Tumbledown Pond or at designated spots near the trailhead. Pack out all your trash.
While the pond is a water source, it's strongly recommended to use a water filter or purification tablets if you plan to drink from it.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit views overlooking Tumbledown Pond and the surrounding landscape are spectacular. The rock formations and ladders on the loop trail also make for dramatic shots.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views. A sturdy tripod can be useful for low-light conditions or long exposures. Protect your gear from the elements.
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, offers the most beautiful light for landscape photography. Mid-day can be harsh but still offers dramatic views.
Keep an eye out for wildlife like ravens, which have been spotted here. The challenging terrain itself provides unique angles and perspectives for photos.
Capture hikers in action on the rocks and ladders. Focus on the scale of the formations and the effort involved. Be mindful of safety when taking photos.
Social
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