The Maine Highlands Guidebook Maine Highlands Guidebook 2019-2021 | Page 13

Camp & Hike in the
Maine Woods
Explore:
Waterfalls
& Gorges
 EARLY LANDING FALLS: on Big
Wilson Stream, Willimantic
Modest waterfall with a scenic
view; easy access.
GULF HAGAS: Katahdin Iron Works
Forest near Brownville Junction
Four named waterfalls (Screw Auger,
Buttermilk, Billings, and Stair) and
numerous cascades and swimming
holes on a 8-mile loop trail.
Rural Piscataquis County is home to countless waterfalls
and mountaintops just waiting to be explored. Grab your
camping gear and hiking boots and discover the area
around the famed 100-Mile Wilderness.
DAY 1 Pack up your camping gear and head to Peaks-Kenny State Park in
Dover-Foxcroft. It’s a good idea to make a reservation ahead of time online
at maine.gov. Settle in to one of the 56 wooded camping spots and relax by
a campfire.
DAY 2 Lace up your hiking boots—you’re headed to Borestone
Mountain! Go west on Route 15 to Elliotsville Road. There is a parking
lot across from the gated access road that leads you to the Visitors Center.
The Summit Trail (0.8 miles) takes you through a spruce forest to a fairly
steep ascent to the West Peak. You may need to use your hands to
scramble up the trail. Continue along the trail to the East Peak summit
where there is a sign identifying the various mountain peaks visible
from the 360 degree view. It’s a great place to stop and enjoy a trail snack.
Head back to Peaks-Kenny and change into your swimsuit. Sebec Lake
is serene and peaceful, and the Peaks-Kenny beach is the place to be on
a hot afternoon.
DAY 3 Pack a picnic lunch and get ready to explore Little Wilson Falls
along the Appalachian Trail. The entrance to these wonderful waterfalls
is back near the entrance to Borestone Mountain. There is an unmarked
dirt road on the left before you cross the bridge at Big Wilson Stream.
Park here and walk in, or, if you have a vehicle that can handle the
bumpy road, drive to the trailhead parking lot.
You’ll emerge at a sweet swimming hole at the bottom of the small falls.
The in-and-out trail starts to the left and is considered a moderate hike.
Wilson Stream and the falls will follow you on the right, and there are
several spots where you can hop off the trail and get your feet wet. As
this is a part of the Appalachian Trail, don’t be surprised to come across
some AT thru-hikers. You’ll hear Wilson Falls before you see it!
 HAY BROOK FALLS:
KI Jo-Mary Multiple Use Forest
Little-known horsetail waterfall
with a 25-foot plunge and a view.
 HIGH BRIDGE: Katahdin Iron Works
Forest about 33 miles from Millinocket
Little waterfall with a wonderful
swimming hole; easy access.
 LITTLE WILSON FALLS - UPPER AND
LOWER: Elliotsville Township
A 25-foot tall waterfall and swimming spot;
popular stop with Appalachian Trail hikers.
A
 BOL FALLS: West Branch of the
Penobscot River near Baxter State Park
Serene woodland surroundings and
a beautiful view of Katahdin.
K
 ATAHDIN FALLS: inside Baxter State
Park near Katahdin Stream Campground
Maine’s tallest waterfall, gorgeous and rustic.
L
 EDGE FALLS: inside Baxter State Park
Natural water slides and rapids
popular for swimming
S
 AWTELLE FALLS: Township 6, Range
7 (Shin Pond Village), west of Patten
A 12-foot, 2-tiered waterfall and
swimming spot; easy access.
  SHIN POND FALLS: Township 6,
Range 7 (Shin Pond Village)
An impressive 30-foot drop with
excellent fishing at its base.
For a more detailed list of waterfalls
and gulfs in The Maine Highlands, visit
themainehighlands.com/waterfalls.
FOR THE LESS ADVENTUROUS
Hike and paddle at Peaks-Kenny state park. There are several
trails in the park that can be accessed easily. You could also
spend the day discovering Monson—an up and coming artist
village with a quaint General Store and options for lunch.
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