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
Public Reserved Lands
Maine has approximately 600,000 acres of Public Reserved Lands, managed by the Bureau of Parks and Lands, in 37 separate parcels located across the state. These lands are enjoyed for their outstanding hiking, camping, birding, fishing, and hunting opportunities. They include the Bigelow Preserve, Kennebec Highlands, Tumbledown, Cutler’s Bold Coast, Donnell Pond, Debouillie, Mount Abraham, and other Maine gems.
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
Bigelow Preserve Public Reserved Land
Location: Near Stratton, Franklin County Description: The Bigelow Preserve, the area of which totals 36,000 acres, is bounded on its north by Flagstaff Lake, a 20,000-acre lake, and includes all seven summits of the Bigelow Range, including 4,150-foot West Peak. The Appalachian Trail crosses through part of the Bigelow Preserve. Flagstaff Lake is also part of the Northern 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
Chain of Ponds Public Reserved Land
Location: Ten miles northeast of Eustis, Franklin County Description: The Chain of Ponds Public Reserved Land parcel is comprised of four ponds. Natanis, Bog, Long, and Lower ponds are all connected via channels, creating the “chain.” Visitors to the ponds have the opportunity to recreate on the ponds, including camping on the shores and observing Read More
Chamberlain Lake Public Reserved Land/Lock Dam
Location: In and around Township 7, Range 12 WELS, 30 miles northwest of Baxter State Park, Piscataquis County Description: Chamberlain Lake Public Reserved Land is a group of parcels along the large lakes that form the southern end of the Allagash Wilderness Waterway. The parcels include the 2,890-acre Chamberlain Lake Ecological Reserve. Ecological Reserves serve to protect Read More
Cutler Coast Public Reserved Land
Location: Cutler, 20 miles east of Machias, Washington County Description: The varied landscape of the 12,234-acre Cutler Coast Public Reserved Land unit shifts between peatlands, woodlands, and blueberry barrens along the cliffs of the stunning “Bold Coast,” overlooking the Bay of Fundy. The parcel includes 5,216 acres that are part of the state’s Ecological Reserve System due Read More
Dead River Public Reserved Land
Location: In and around Dead River Township, on the northern shore of Flagstaff Lake, Somerset County Description: The Dead River Public Reserved Land parcel is located on the northern shores of Flagstaff Lake. The parcel contains a popular fishing and camping spot called The Big Eddy below Long Falls Dam, as well as a number Read More
