Location: 10 miles north of Belgrade, Kennebec County Description: At just over 6,500 acres, the Kennebec Highlands Public Reserved Land unit is the largest contiguous area of conserved land in Central Maine. The unit includes the summit of McGaffey Mountain, the tallest peak in Kennebec County, along with two other hiking trails, both of which 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.
Little Moose Public Reserved Land
Location: Moosehead Junction and Big Moose townships, just east of Greenville, Piscataquis County Description: The Little Moose unit is more than 15,000 acres in size and is a popular hiking destination. The area includes most of the Little Moose Mountain Range, which features steep slopes, rocky streams, and remote ponds. The Eagle Rock Trail is Read More
Machias River Corridor Public Reserved Land
Location: Surrounding the Machias River, Washington County Description: The Machias River Corridor envelopes the Machias River, which features the country’s largest self-sustaining wild Atlantic salmon run. The greater river system also supports a wide array of wading birds, waterfowl, neotropical migrants, and grassland species. The 76-mile Machias River canoe trip is popular with experienced paddlers. Read More
Mahoosuc Public Reserved Land
Location: West of Newry, Oxford County Description: The Mahoosuc Public Reserved Land unit includes the entire Mahoosuc Range, which features some of Maine’s most challenging and beautiful mountains, including the 4,180-foot Old Speck. A receding glacier 12,000 years ago created the Mahoosuc Range and what is commonly known to be 12 of the most difficult miles of Read More
Moosehead Lake Public Reserved Land
Location: North of Greenville, Piscataquis County Description: Moosehead is Maine and New England’s largest lake. Moosehead was formed by a mile-thick receding glacier almost 18,000 years ago. Wabanaki Native Americans have lived in the region for the past 1,000 years and place great spiritual significance in Mount Kineo, on one of the lake’s islands. Named Read More
Mount Abraham Public Reserved Land
Location: Mount Abram Township, 20 miles south of Carrabassett Valley, Franklin County Description: The Mount Abraham Public Reserved Land unit is 6,214 acres with 4,033 of those acres protected as an Ecological Reserve. The Ecological Reserve System protects Maine’s biological diversity, among other purposes. The state’s tallest mountain ash is on Mount Abraham, at an impressive 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
Pineland Public Reserved Land
Location: Gray and New Gloucester, Cumberland County Description: An oasis of undeveloped land ideal for outdoor recreation, the Pineland Public Reserved Land unit located in Gray-New Gloucester is 600 acres of forest and fields. The hilly area is ideal for hikers who want to explore one of two trails conveniently located off Route 231. The Read More
Richardson Public Reserved Land
Location: Northern Oxford County Description: The Richardson Public Reserved Land unit’s 22,000 acres of lakes and ponds are surrounded by mountains, forests, and beach flats. The unit is located in the Rangeley Lakes region and includes much of the shoreline of Mooselookmeguntic and Richardson lakes. Mooselookmeguntic and Richardson lakes are also a part of the Read More
