Piscataquis County: Lakes, Gorges and Cultural Heritage

Peaks-Kenny State Park sits on the shore of Sebec Lake. In addition to its waterfront setting, it has a network of ten miles of interconnected hiking trails. Nature experiences in Piscataquis County also range from lakeside walks to routes through gorges, forests and open rock landscapes. Cultural history and local events also add their own distinctive touches to a trip.

Lakes, Gorges and Distinctive Landscapes

At Gulf Hagas, the river drops almost 400 feet in less than four miles through an unbroken succession of waterfalls, cascades and rapids. Gulf Hagas has been designated a National Natural Landmark since 1969. Along the gorge, the Rim Trail offers numerous viewpoints of several waterfalls. A short side trail leads to Screw Auger Falls, 0.2 miles after the start of the Rim Trail. The full loop combining the Rim Trail and Pleasant River Tote Road is an eight-mile hike if you approach from the Gulf Hagas Parking Area via the Appalachian Trail.

The Borestone Mountain Audubon Sanctuary has a different landscape, with its three clear ponds: Sunrise Pond, Midday Pond and Sunset Pond. On the mountain, the Fox Pen Loop Trail and Summit Trail form a moderate, two-mile loop hike in Elliotsville. Those looking to compare routes will find the same distance as the Shoreline Trail at Lily Bay State Park, but with a different stated difficulty: the Shoreline Trail is described as an easy walk along Moosehead Lake between the beach and Rowell Cove Campground.

Hiking Trails, Water Access and Winter Routes

Nahmakanta Public Lands offers trails along lake shores, to open rock ledges and through deep forests. The Appalachian Trail runs through Nahmakanta, where it connects with miles of hiking trails managed by Maine Parks and Public Lands. Campsites also differ in how they can be reached: six sites on Nahmakanta Lake are accessible by water, while several others are accessible on foot.

Lily Bay State Park has two boat launches suitable for trailers, with moorings, one at Dunn Point and one at Rowell Cove. Mount Kineo is accessible only by water. In summer, a paid commercial boat shuttle runs there regularly from Rockwood; check the shuttle details before your trip. At the summit is a converted fire tower with 360-degree panoramic views. Mount Kineo's rock cliffs are 700 feet high.

There is also practical guidance for winter activities: Piscataquis County has miles of snowmobile and cross-country ski trails. This lets you plan your trip around the activities that matter most to you, rather than judging different routes by length alone.

Cultural History and Local Traditions

The Center Theatre is a historic movie theater and local landmark in downtown Dover-Foxcroft. It offers screenings at regular admission prices as well as private showings. Katahdin Iron Works, which operated from 1843 to 1890, offers another connection to the region's history. To get there, head north from Brownville Junction: follow Route 11 for about five miles to the turnoff, then continue for about six miles on a gravel road.

In Williamsburg Forest, interpretive trails wind through 180 acres of historic farmland. Visitors can see the old foundations of the Larsen and Decker homesteads. The Maine Whoopie Pie Festival offers another glimpse of local culture: it is the largest annual event in Piscataquis County. Visitors can sample more than 100 varieties of whoopie pies. Check current event dates if you plan to attend.

When searching for a hotel, these different highlights can help guide your choice: waterfront trails, longer hikes, water access, winter trails and cultural history offer different starting points for planning your trip.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Abbot, Greenville, Lincoln, Knox, Kennebec, Washington County, Sagadahoc County, Penobscot.

Go to the main travel overview: Maine.