With funding support from the Land for Maine’s Future program, the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands acquired an easement and two fee parcels protecting 3,026 acres around the southern end of Mattawamkeag Lake. The easement allows sustainable forestry while preventing future development and guaranteeing continued pedestrian access for fishing, swimming, and camping.
The protected lands include 11.5 miles of frontage on Mattawamkeag Lake, the upper reaches of the Mattawamkeag River’s West Branch, and the northern end of Mud Lake. To enhance opportunities for lakefront camping in this remote and beautiful setting, the Bureau purchased in fee 190 acres on Long Point and Big Island (which contains a significant old growth forest).
From Mattawamkeag Lake, paddlers can travel up to 90 miles along a recognized backcountry canoe route that traces the West Branch of the Mattawamkeag River. A popular hiking tail near the mouth of Mattawamkeag Lake leads to Bible Point – a location visited and made famous by Theodore Roosevelt. The Lake and surrounding woodlands are used by area residents year-round, with hunting in the fall, snowmobiling in winter, and fishing throughout the year for landlocked salmon, brook trout, and smelt.
Closest Town
Island Falls
Activities
Bird & other wildlife watching, hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, backcountry camping, hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, swimming, canoeing, and kayaking
Region
Northern Maine – Aroostook
Acres
3026
Directions from nearest town
DeLorme Maine Atlas and Gazetteer Map 52, C/D-5. The property is best accessed by boat from the public boat launch in Island Falls or by logging roads from Route 2.
