At Peaks-Kenny State Park, the shore of Sebec Lake lies right beside a network of interconnected hiking trails that stretches for a total of 10 miles. In Piscataquis County, you can experience both waterside scenery and trails that extend across a wider area.

Lakes and Trails on Different Scales

At Lily Bay State Park, the lakeshore and hiking also go hand in hand, but the Shoreline Trail offers a different experience: This easy, 2-mile walk follows the shore of Moosehead Lake between the beach and the Rowell Cove Campground. The difference is easy to factor into your plans: here, a single short walk contrasts with a 10-mile trail network. Lily Bay State Park also has two trailer-accessible boat launches with moorings, one at Dunn Point and one at Rowell Cove.

In the Nahmakanta Public Lands, trail landscapes alternate between lakeshores, open rock ledges, and deep forests. The Appalachian Trail runs through Nahmakanta and connects there with miles of hiking trails maintained by Maine Parks and Public Lands. Camping options also vary by access: At Nahmakanta Lake, there are six sites accessible by water, as well as several that can be reached on foot.

At Borestone Mountain, the Fox Pen Loop Trail and Summit Trail form a moderately difficult 2-mile loop hike in Elliotsville. The scenery includes three crystal-clear ponds: Sunrise Pond, Midday Pond, and Sunset Pond. Their names give the area distinctive landmarks, while the loop provides a concrete sense of the trail’s length.

Waterfalls, a Gorge, and Longer Hikes

At Gulf Hagas, the river drops nearly 400 feet in less than four miles. Waterfalls, cascades, and rapids follow one another continuously. The gorge has been designated a National Natural Landmark since 1969. The Gulf Hagas Rim Trail offers numerous viewpoints along the gorge overlooking several waterfalls. Just 0.2 miles after the Rim Trail begins, a short side trail leads to Screw Auger Falls.

For those planning by distance, there is also a significantly longer option: The full loop combining the Rim Trail and Pleasant River Tote Road is an 8-mile hike when accessed via the Appalachian Trail from the Gulf Hagas Parking Area. This puts the viewpoints along the Rim Trail and a named longer loop side by side as different ways to experience the same landscape.

Industrial History and Cultural Sites

Katahdin Iron Works operated from 1843 to 1890. To get there, take Route 11 north of Brownville Junction: After about 5 miles on Route 11, turn off; from there, a gravel road leads about 6 miles to the destination. The approximate distances and transition from paved route to gravel road provide a practical overview of the described access.

In Williamsburg Forest, interpretive trails pass through 180 acres of historic farmland. Visitors can see the old foundations of the Larsen and Decker homesteads there. The trails thus connect with tangible traces of earlier settlement rather than simply passing through historic land.

In downtown Dover-Foxcroft, the Center Theatre is a historic movie theater and local landmark. It offers screenings at regular admission prices as well as private screenings. The Maine Whoopie Pie Festival is considered an annual highlight in the county and is described as the largest annual event in Piscataquis County. Visitors can sample more than 100 varieties of whoopie pies there.

Water Access and Winter Trails

Mount Kineo has 700-foot-high cliffs; a converted fire lookout tower at the summit offers 360-degree panoramic views. The mountain is accessible only by water. In summer, a commercial boat shuttle runs regularly from Rockwood for a fee. Check the shuttle details before your trip to make sure this seasonal connection fits your plans.

The season also changes what you can focus on: Piscataquis County has miles of snowmobile and cross-country ski trails. The Appalachian Trail also runs through Monson; day hikers can park at a trailhead along the route. Check local access conditions before visiting. When looking for a hotel in Piscataquis County, it helps to decide first what you want to focus on during your trip: lakeshore trails, longer hikes, history, culture, or winter activities.

Discover more destinations: Abbot, Greenville, Lincoln, Penobscot, Somerset, Hancock, Cumberland, Androscoggin.

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