Location: In and around Township 10 SD, 12 miles east of Ellsworth, Hancock County Description: The Donnell Pond Public Reserved Land unit includes mountains, pristine lakes, and remote ponds all spread out over 14,000 acres in eastern Maine. There are sites for camping along the pond’s beaches, and great options for those who enjoy paddling. Read More
Wildlife Watching
Maine is home to many iconic species of wildlife—the Common Loon, black bears, Canada lynx, Osprey, and of course, moose! Exploring Maine's outdoors often offers you a glimpse of these beautiful creatures. Learn more about Maine wildlife in our Creature Feature. Explore these locations for a chance to see Maine's wildlife up close. Please remember to leave their nests, dens, and young offspring alone if you come across them while exploring.
Eagle Lake Public Reserved Land
Location: Township 16, Range 6 WELS, next to the town of Eagle Lake, about 15 miles south of Fort Kent, Aroostook County Description: The Eagle Lake Public Reserved Land unit spans 24,083 acres on the eastern half of Eagle Lake, an expansive body of water that is enjoyed by pleasure boaters, anglers, and campers. The Read More
Holeb Public Reserved Land
Location: 25 miles east of Rockwood, Somerset County Description: The Holeb Public Reserved Land unit is comprised of 20,000 acres of land in western Maine. Many visitors enjoy the popular three-day canoe trip through Attean Pond and the Moose River. This trip includes both Class I and II rapids and a waterfall. Visitors are often Read More
Kennebec Highlands Public Reserved Land
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
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
