When rails and ties were pulled up along the old Maine Central Railroad line between Newport and Dover-Foxcroft in 1993, area residents began to claim this rail trail (Four Seasons Adventure Trail) for their own. There are no other public lands in the area and people were eager to have a convenient site for outdoor Read More
Bird Watching
Maine is fortunate to have an array of habitats that are great places to view a variety of birds, including North Woods specialties that folks travel from across Maine and beyond in hopes of finding. Grab your binoculars and favorite bird guide, then head out to view some of Maine's beautiful birds at these locations!
Nicatous and West Lakes
By combining conservation easements on working timberland with public land acquisition, the State protected 22,370 acres of contiguous forest with 30 miles of undeveloped shoreline on two lakes and five ponds. The centerpiece of this property is 5,100-acre Nicatous Lake, widely considered to be one of Maine’s most beautiful water bodies with its pristine sand Read More
Noble Farm
Lying a half-mile from Merrymeeting Bay, one of the Eastern seaboard’s largest and most productive estuaries, the open fields of this working dairy farm are a popular stopover for Canada geese and other migratory waterfowl. Grants from the Land for Maine’s Future program and the USDA Farm and Ranch Land Protection Program enabled the Maine Read More
Orbeton Stream
Located in the towns of Madrid and Phillips, the Orbeton Stream Project secured a conservation easement in December 2015 on nearly 6,000 acres surrounding Orbeton Stream. The easement ensures sustainable forest management and allows public access for hiking, fishing, paddling, and hunting. The Orbeton Stream Project follows a portion of the Appalachian Trail (AT). The Read More
Parker Pond Headland
Parker Pond is a scenic and relatively undeveloped lake situated in Fayette, a growing community 18 miles northwest of Augusta. The town has experienced a population increase of 217 percent over the past four decades as more people have discovered its natural amenities. Despite the surrounding development, though, the shores of 1,600-acre Parker Pond have Read More
Pleasant Bay Wildlife Management Area
The Pleasant Bay Wildlife Management Area lies near the town of Addison along the Pleasant River’s east side. The area is known for its expansive, various wildlife habitats and for its tranquil character. The preserve includes more than seven miles of waterfront along Pleasant Bay, more than 1,900 acres of intertidal marshes and mudflats, islands, Read More
Amherst Mountain Community Forest, Public Reserved Land
Description: The Amherst Mountain Community Forest is part of the Public Reserved Land system, but unlike other units, it is managed jointly with the town of Amherst. The 4,974-acre parcel is home to brook trout, white-tailed deer, black bear, Peregrine Falcons, Ruffed Grouse (partridge), and American Woodcock. The area contains two popular hiking trails, Ducktail Read More
Bald Mountain Public Reserved Land
Location: Just east of Rangeley, Franklin County Description: The Bald Mountain Public Reserved Land is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts during all four seasons. Hike the trail to the summit of Bald Mountain, particularly beautiful during the fall months, and enjoy the views of the surrounding lakes. In the summer, fishermen take to the unit’s Read More
Big Spencer Mountain Public Reserved Land
Location: Township X Range 14 WELS and Township 2 Range 13 WELS, east of Moosehead Lake, Piscataquis County Description: The Big Spencer Mountain parcel contains Big Spencer Mountain (3,230 feet), which towers over Spencer Bay on Moosehead Lake’s eastern shore. The mountain’s fire tower was active for nearly 85 years, until 1991. The 4,242-acre parcel is part Read More
