Chosen By: Beth Comeau, Communications Manager Location: Old Town, Penobscot County Description: Two trails (one 0.15 miles and the other 0.24 miles) within the seven-mile trail system within the Hirundo Wildlife Refuge Activities: Hiking, photography, picnicking, wildlife watching Why it’s special: This trail is special because it meets ADA standards for accessibility so that more Read More
Penobscot County
Eagle Bluff
Located in Clifton, Eagle Bluff is a beautiful, 160-acre popular local destination for rock climbing. It features more than 130 different climbing routes up its vertical granite rock face and a popular hiking trail to the top of the cliff. The cliff provides great views of Cedar Swamp Pond and Peaked Mountain. A local climber, Read More
Mattawamkeag River
As part of a complex multi-property purchase, the Land for Maine’s Future program funded State acquisition of 4,119 acres of woodland, wetlands, and cedar swamp along the Mattawamkeag River east of Kingman and 1,204 acres along 4 miles of its tributary, Mattagodus Stream. The highly productive wetlands that characterize both properties offer outstanding habitat for Read More
Newport/Dover-Foxcroft Rail Trail
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
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
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
Bradley Public Reserved Land
Location: Bradley, Penobscot County Description: The Bradley unit is comprised of four connecting lots totaling 9,277 acres and a separate 229-acre parcel known as the “Kittridge Farm” lot. The unit contains largely wetlands and peatlands, which are home to species of special concern: northern leopard frog, creeper mussel, and sedge wren. Recreational use of the Read More
Nahmakanta Public Reserved Land
Location: West of Millinocket, Penobscot County Description: The Nahmakanta unit is 43,000 acres and includes forest, mountains, and 24 great ponds. Fishing is popular on the great ponds. Pollywog Gorge is a popular destination for visitors to the land, with a mile-high drop down to the scenic gorge. Nine miles of the Appalachian Trail cross through the Read More
Scraggly Lake Public Reserved Land
Location: Township 7 Range 8 WELS, northeast of Patten, Penobscot County Description: Scraggly Lake is located at the center of this 10,000-acre public reserved land unit, located just northeast of Baxter State Park. Scraggly Lake includes a campground and boat launch for visitors, and nearby Ireland Pond offers a more remote recreational experience. From Scraggly Read More
