The Caribou Bog Conservation Area houses more than 7,500 acres of wetlands and woodlands, 2,015 of which were acquired with the help of the Land for Maine’s Future program from 2005 to 2017. The land is currently made up of parcels owned by the Orono Land Trust, the University of Maine, the Town of Orono, and the State of Maine. Located just 12 miles north of Bangor, the area is popular for its excellent cross-country skiing and diverse wildlife.
In the winter, the Caribou Bog Conservation Area presents cross-country skiers with more than eight miles of groomed trails. These trails vary in difficulty and wind throughout the southern part of the conservation area, taking skiers through a variety of ecosystems. When the snow melts, the trails are great for hiking, biking, and nature study. The bird and wildlife watching in Caribou Bog is stellar; sightings of moose, bear, deer, porcupines, beavers, otters, herons, and Ospreys have all been reported.
The LMF program has sponsored several phases of conservation efforts in the Caribou Bog area. 2005’s Phase I saw the purchase of about 1,000 acres in the region, which was followed up by the
2005-2009 Phase II that resulted in another 1,000 acres or so being added on. The most recent acquisition occurred during Phase III in 2017 and included a 139-acre lot donated by the University of Maine.
Closest Town: Bangor/Orono
Activities: Birdwatching, Cross-country Skiing and Snowshoeing, Hiking, Hunting, Nature Study, Wildlife Watching, Mountain Biking
Region: Maine Highlands – Piscataquis, Penobscot
Acreage: 2,015 LMF-sponsored acres, 7,500 total conserved acres
Directions: From Bangor, take I-95 N for about 6.5 miles before taking exit 191. Turn left onto Kelley Road and right onto Stillwater Avenue soon after. Take the third exit at the roundabout onto Forest Avenue, turn right onto Taylor Road, fade left onto Putnam Road, and look for a parking lot.
