The Maine Highlands represents a vast, centrally located area
within the state of Maine, spanning both Piscataquis and
Penobscot Counties. This expansive territory, once referred to
as the Penquis region until a rebranding in the late 1990s for
tourism purposes, includes these two counties with a total
estimated population of around 174,000 based on the latest 2024
figures. The area is notably underpopulated compared to other
parts of the state, with Piscataquis County—Maine's least
populous—featuring particularly low density, characterized by
its rugged, forested landscapes and small communities. Situated
in the New England-Acadian forests ecoregion, the Highlands
incorporate sections of the Appalachian Mountains, offering
dramatic elevations, numerous lakes, rivers, and ponds, as well
as four U.S.-Canada border crossings for those traveling from or
to neighboring provinces.
Penobscot County takes its name
from the indigenous Penobscot people, who are members of the
broader Wabanaki Confederation of Native American tribes. In
contrast, Piscataquis draws from an Abenaki language term
translating to "branch of the river" or "at the river branch."
This etymology points directly to the iconic Penobscot River, a
109-mile-long tidal waterway—the longest entirely within
Maine—that originates in the region's highlands and ultimately
discharges into Penobscot Bay along the Atlantic coast. In
earlier eras, the river functioned as a crucial transportation
and trade pathway deep into Maine's interior, facilitating
commerce for Native American groups, European settlers, and
loggers during the state's booming lumber industry in the 19th
and early 20th centuries. The broader region has a rich
historical backdrop, including territorial disputes between the
U.S. and Britain (then Canada) in the late 18th and early 19th
centuries, which escalated into the Aroostook War of
1838–1839—the only conflict ever declared by a U.S. state
against a foreign power—over boundary lines in the northern
highlands. Established in 1816, Penobscot County was carved from
larger territories and named for the river that bisects it,
underscoring its central role in the area's development.
Residents and visitors alike gravitate toward the Highlands for
its abundance of outdoor pursuits, including hunting for game
like deer and waterfowl, fishing in pristine rivers and lakes,
and a variety of recreational activities such as hiking
expansive trails, kayaking, canoeing, whitewater rafting,
biking, swimming, and wildlife viewing—particularly for spotting
moose, black bears, and other native species in their natural
habitats. These experiences form the backbone of local
lifestyles and serve as the primary magnets for tourism, drawing
adventurers year-round. In winter, the region transforms into a
haven for snowmobiling on groomed trails connected to Maine's
Interconnected Trail System (ITS), cross-country skiing, and ice
fishing, while summer brings opportunities for camping in remote
wilderness sites and attending cultural events like the American
Folk Festival in Bangor or the Maine Whoopie Pie Festival.
Beyond the outdoors, the area offers indoor attractions such as
museums highlighting lumber history, breweries, casinos, and
shopping at boutiques or antique stores.
The Maine Highlands encompasses several key communities, many of
which serve as gateways to natural wonders or offer essential services.
Here's an expanded list with notable highlights:
Bangor
- The region's largest city and Penobscot County's seat, with a
population of about 32,000; it's a cultural hub featuring the Bangor
International Airport, historic sites like the Thomas Hill Standpipe for
panoramic views, nightlife, breweries, and events such as the American
Folk Festival.
Corinth - A small rural town known for its
agricultural roots and proximity to lakes for fishing and boating.
Dexter - A quaint community with a focus on outdoor recreation,
including nearby lakes and trails for hiking and ATV riding.
Dover-Foxcroft - Piscataquis County's seat, home to about 4,000
residents; it features historical buildings, a performing arts center,
and access to the Sebec Lake area for water sports.
East Millinocket
- A former mill town in the Katahdin area, offering trails and serving
as a base for exploring nearby wilderness.
Greenville - The main hub
for the Moosehead Lake Region, with lodging, dining, and outfitters for
seaplane tours, moose safaris, and water activities.
Hampden - A
suburban area south of Bangor, known for its residential appeal and
access to the Penobscot River for kayaking.
Lincoln - Centered in the
Lincoln Lakes Region, it's a prime spot for hunting, fishing, and
boating on its 13 interconnected lakes.
Millinocket - Often called
the "Magic City," it's a gateway to Baxter State Park and Mount
Katahdin, with a history tied to paper milling and now focused on
eco-tourism.
Milo - A small town along the Piscataquis River, popular
for fishing and as a stopover for Appalachian Trail hikers.
Monson -
Known for its slate quarries and as the last town before the 100-Mile
Wilderness on the Appalachian Trail, attracting thru-hikers.
Newport
- Situated on Sebasticook Lake, it offers boating, fishing, and a scenic
location in the Sebasticook Valley.
Old Town - Famous for the Old
Town Canoe Company and its Penobscot River location; it's also home to
part of the University of Maine system and Native American heritage
sites.
Orono - Hosts the flagship campus of the University of Maine,
with a vibrant student population, museums, and research facilities
focused on forestry and wildlife.
Patten - A northern town in the
Katahdin Region, serving as an entry point for lumber heritage tours and
snowmobiling trails.
Woodville - A remote, forested community ideal
for those seeking solitude and direct access to hunting grounds and ATV
routes.
In addition to the urban centers, the Highlands boast standout
natural and recreational areas that highlight its wilderness ethos:
Moosehead Lake Region - Encompassing Maine's largest lake (over
75,000 acres), this area around Greenville is a hotspot for boating, fly
fishing, seaplane adventures, whitewater rafting on the Kennebec River,
and moose-watching tours; it's also dotted with remote cabins and offers
winter skiing at nearby resorts.
Baxter
State Park - Regarded as one of Maine's most pristine protected
areas, this 200,000+ acre wilderness preserve is home to Mount Katahdin
(5,269 feet), the state's tallest mountain and the northern terminus of
the Appalachian Trail. It features over 200 miles of hiking trails,
crystal-clear ponds, and strict conservation rules to maintain its
untouched beauty—no pets, large vehicles, or modern amenities allowed,
emphasizing "forever wild" principles set by donor Percival Baxter.
Accessing the Maine Highlands is straightforward for most travelers. Driving is the most common method, with major routes like Interstate 95 running north-south through Bangor and connecting to secondary roads such as Routes 9, 15, and 11 for deeper penetration into the wilderness areas. For air travel, fly into Bangor International Airport (BGR), which offers commercial flights from major U.S. hubs via carriers like Delta, American, and United, plus international connections. From there, rent a car or use limited shuttle services. Bus options include Concord Coach Lines or Greyhound stopping in Bangor, though services dwindle in rural spots. For adventurous arrivals, hike in via the Appalachian Trail from the south or international border trails from Canada. Amtrak train service doesn't reach here directly, but you can connect via bus from Portland.
Navigating the region typically requires a personal vehicle due to its sprawling, rural nature and limited public transit. Car rentals are available at Bangor Airport from companies like Hertz, Avis, and Enterprise. In urban areas like Bangor, local buses (Community Connector) provide intra-city options, but for inter-town travel, rely on taxis, rideshares like Uber (spotty in remote areas), or organized tours. For wilderness exploration, ATVs and snowmobiles are popular on designated trails, especially in winter via the ITS network. Biking and hiking work well for shorter distances in parks, while outfitters in places like Greenville offer boat or seaplane rentals for lake access. Always check weather and road conditions, as some routes can be seasonal or unpaved.
Wilderness Sled Dog Race
Experience the thrilling Wilderness Sled
Dog Race in Greenville, Maine, a highlight for winter enthusiasts.
Contact them at +1 207 695-2702 or toll-free +1-888-876-2778, or email
info@mooseheadlake.org for more information. This annual event, which
has evolved since its early days, features multiple race categories
including a challenging 60-mile course, a 35-mile option, a 4-mile 4-dog
sprint, and even 1- and 2-dog skijor races. It starts and finishes at
Leisure Life Resort on Moosehead Lake Road, looping through the heart of
Maine's stunning 100-mile wilderness area, offering participants and
spectators a mix of adventure and scenic beauty. The 2025 race took
place on February 8, drawing competitors from across New England as one
of only two long-distance sled dog races in the region. With the current
date being December 13, 2025, mark your calendar for the next edition on
February 7, 2026.
One Hundred Mile Wilderness
The One Hundred
Mile Wilderness is a captivating segment of the Appalachian Trail
starting in Monson, Maine, blending rugged terrain in the southern
portion with serene lakes and ponds toward the north, providing an
authentic introduction to hiking in the Pine Tree State. Spanning
approximately 100 miles (though some sources note it as closer to 114
miles) from Monson to Abol Bridge near Baxter State Park, this
northernmost section of the 2,179-mile Appalachian Trail is known for
its challenging yet beautiful path over mountain ranges and past
pristine bodies of water. While it evokes a sense of remote wilderness,
hikers will encounter a couple of logging highways and smaller roads,
reminding you it's not entirely untouched. Ideal for thru-hikers or
section adventurers, it typically takes 8 days for experienced
backpackers, with options for shuttles and food drops available through
local services. The trail offers a mix of elevation gains and flat
stretches, making it cruisy for those with strong hiking legs, but plan
for potential 25-mile days in the less climb-heavy first half.
Mount Katahdin
Mount Katahdin stands as an awe-inspiring mountain
massif in Maine, featuring Baxter Peak as its highest point at 5,269
feet—well above the tree line—and serving as the northern endpoint of
the Appalachian Trail and the southern start of the International
Appalachian Trail. This "Greatest Mountain," as named by the Penobscot
Native Americans, rises dramatically in Baxter State Park and offers
strenuous ascents that test even seasoned hikers. Climbing via the Hunt
Trail (part of the AT) from around 1,000 feet elevation is particularly
demanding, with an average round-trip time of 8-12 hours and about 4,000
feet of gain, but starting from the remote Chimney Pond at 2,900 feet
can make it somewhat less grueling. The park recommends starting by 6:00
AM for day hikes, and the summit provides panoramic views that mark a
triumphant end for many AT thru-hikers.
Baxter State Park
Baxter State Park, generously donated to Maine by former Governor
Percival Baxter, remains a vast and untamed wilderness area emphasizing
preservation over recreation. Encompassing over 200,000 acres in
north-central Maine, it boasts numerous hiking trails, majestic peaks
like Katahdin (Maine's highest at 5,269 feet), crystal-clear lakes, and
abundant wildlife including moose and chipmunks. Maintained as "forever
wild," the park is open for day use from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, with a
focus on habitat protection, education, and sustainable activities.
Visitors can enjoy camping, birding, and exploring its remote trails,
but reservations are often required, and the park prioritizes the land
and animals above all.
Gulf Hagas
Gulf Hagas is a breathtaking
gorge along the West Branch of the Pleasant River, renowned for its
series of impressive waterfalls and often called the "Grand Canyon of
Maine." Located on Katahdin Iron Works Road west of Maine Route 11, this
rugged site offers a demanding 8.6-mile loop hike that's moderately
challenging and takes about 3.5 hours on average, or a shorter 5-mile
detour for those on the Appalachian Trail. Accessible via private
property with an entry fee and over 40 miles of dirt roads, the trail
network is remote and primitive—help may be hours away—so preparation is
key. Highlights include Screw Auger Falls and other cascades along a
1.1-mile descent, making it perfect for day hikers seeking scenic
adventures in the Ki-Jo Mary Multiple Use Forest.
Katahdin Iron
Works
Katahdin Iron Works preserves the haunting ruins of a
19th-century ironworks dating back to 1845, where only a stone-and-brick
blast furnace and one of the original nine charcoal kilns remain
standing. Situated on Katahdin Iron Works Road west of Maine Route 11 in
an unorganized township, this state historic site produced pig iron from
locally mined ore and harvested wood for charcoal until operations
ceased in 1890. Once a bustling industrial hub deep in the woods, it now
offers a glimpse into Maine's Iron Age history, with opportunities for
nearby camping, hiking, and exploring trails like those to Gulf Hagas.
The site integrates with broader conservation efforts, balancing habitat
protection and recreation in the region.
Barren Slides
Barren
Slides provide spectacular panoramic views with a relatively brief but
rugged day hike, accessible as a side trail off the Appalachian Trail
near Elliotsville Road in the 100-Mile Wilderness. Part of the ascent to
Barren Mountain, the slide features open cliffs and rock formations
offering sweeping sights to the south and west, including distant lakes
and forests. The trail starts with an easy 0.7-mile unmarked path to the
AT, then branches to the slide overlook about 1.5 miles in, before
continuing to the summit with moderate climbs—totaling around 15 miles
for the full Barren Mountain section if desired. This remote spot is
praised as one of Maine's best viewpoints, especially in the
Barren-Chairback Range, with additional attractions like Cloud Pond
nearby for extended explorations.
Maine offers a wealth of opportunities to immerse yourself in nature
through activities like hiking, camping, hunting, fishing, and riding
ATVs. Rather than chasing urban thrills, the Pine Tree State invites you
to unplug, recharge, and savor the simple joys of the wilderness,
spanning from its rugged coastline to the remote expanses of Aroostook
County in the north. Expand your adventures by exploring Acadia National
Park for self-guided driving tours and narrated bus excursions around
Bar Harbor, or try whitewater rafting on rivers like the Kennebec. For
thrill-seekers, mountain biking at Sunday River Resort or kayaking along
the coastal waters provides stunning views, while wildlife
watching—especially for moose or birds—adds an element of discovery.
In the Maine Highlands, top-notch snowmobile and ATV trails await,
and places like Baxter State Park offer challenging hikes up Mount
Katahdin. Don't miss seasonal gems like fall foliage drives or summer
boating outings for a fuller experience.
Indulge in Maine's iconic culinary scene, which celebrates fresh, local ingredients from sea and soil. Start with a classic Maine-style lobster roll, featuring chilled lobster meat lightly dressed in mayo and served on a toasted split-top bun, or go for boiled lobster straight from the trap. Other must-tries include blueberry pie made with wild Maine berries, fiddleheads (young fern shoots sautéed as a spring delicacy), whoopie pies (chocolate cakes sandwiching creamy filling), and Italian sandwiches packed with meats, veggies, and oil on soft rolls. For heartier fare, sample baked beans slow-cooked with molasses, or red snapper hot dogs grilled to perfection. Seafood lovers can dive into mussels, crab cakes, or lobster bisque, while unique treats like Needhams (coconut-chocolate candies) or brown bread from a can round out the experience.
Quench your thirst with Maine's vibrant beverage offerings, from craft brews to quirky sodas. Sample local IPAs and hazy New England-style beers at breweries scattered across the state, or try crisp ciders made from regional apples. For something distinctly Maine, sip on Moxie (a bold, herbal soda with a cult following) or Allen's Coffee Brandy, often mixed into cocktails. Wine enthusiasts can explore blueberry wines or options from small vineyards, while non-alcoholic choices like fresh-pressed blueberry juice highlight the state's berry bounty. Pair these with your meals for an authentic taste of Maine's innovative drink culture.
Although countless visitors flock to Maine eager to spot majestic moose, maintain a respectful distance—these large animals can become aggressive if provoked and may charge at perceived dangers. Nighttime visibility is particularly tricky since moose don't have reflective eyes like deer, and their dark fur blends into the shadows, increasing collision risks on roads. Signal coverage often weakens as you head north away from major routes like I-95, so in remote areas, prepare for potential self-rescue by carrying essentials like a first-aid kit, extra water, and a satellite communicator. Always share your itinerary, including destinations and expected return times, with trusted contacts before heading into the backcountry. For hikes or camps, register at trailheads or visitor centers so rangers can monitor for any issues and respond to distress signals promptly. Additional precautions include wearing sturdy, closed-toe shoes to navigate slippery rocks and seaweed, layering clothing for unpredictable weather, applying bug repellent to ward off ticks and mosquitoes, and staying hydrated—especially during heat waves by opting for light-colored attire and early-morning activities. In water-based pursuits, don life jackets and supervise kids closely, avoiding alcohol to prevent accidents.
The Maine Highlands is a tourism and geographic region in
central-northern Maine, encompassing Piscataquis and Penobscot counties.
It spans roughly 10,000 square miles of rugged terrain, including vast
forests, rivers, lakes, and mountains, and is home to about 200,000
residents. Formerly known as the Penquis region (a portmanteau of the
two counties), the name "Maine Highlands" was officially adopted in the
late 1990s to better promote it as a destination for outdoor recreation
and cultural experiences. This modern branding shift reflects a
transition from an economy dominated by resource extraction to one
emphasizing conservation and tourism. Historically, the term "Maine
Highlands" referred to the state's portion of the Appalachian Mountains
from the late 19th through early 20th centuries, but its roots trace
back much further, intertwined with geological formation, indigenous
habitation, colonial disputes, and industrial booms.
Geological
and Pre-Colonial Foundations
The Maine Highlands boasts some of the
oldest mountains on Earth, formed during the Devonian Period up to 400
million years ago through tectonic collisions that created the
Appalachian range. This ancient geology shaped a landscape of rolling
uplands, deep forests, and extensive waterways, including the Penobscot
River watershed and Moosehead Lake—Maine's largest body of freshwater.
The region's boreal forests, part of the New England-Acadian ecoregion,
provided a rich habitat for wildlife and supported human life long
before European arrival.
Archaeological evidence indicates that
Native American peoples inhabited what is now Maine, including the
Highlands, for at least 12,000–13,000 years, following the retreat of
the Laurentide Ice Sheet at the end of the last Ice Age. The area falls
within the traditional homeland of the Wabanaki Confederacy, a group of
Algonquian-speaking tribes including the Penobscot, Maliseet (also known
as Wolastoqiyik), Passamaquoddy, and Mi'kmaq (Micmac). Collectively
known as the "People of the Dawnland," these nations relied on the
region's rivers, lakes, and forests for sustenance, using birchbark
canoes for travel along waterways like the Penobscot and Allagash to
hunt moose, fish salmon, gather berries, and trade. The Penobscot,
centered around the river bearing their name, maintained semi-permanent
villages and seasonal camps, with oral traditions emphasizing harmony
with the land. Artifacts such as basketry, beadwork, tools, snowshoes,
and canoes from this era are preserved in places like the University of
Maine's Hudson Museum in Orono. The rugged terrain and harsh winters
kept population densities low, but the Wabanaki developed sophisticated
knowledge of the ecosystem, which sustained them for millennia.
European Exploration and Colonial Settlement (1600s–1700s)
European
contact began in the early 1600s, with explorers like Giovanni da
Verrazano (1524) and Estevan Gomez (1525) charting the coast, though
inland penetration into the Highlands was limited initially. The first
documented interactions in Maine involved French and English traders,
who exchanged goods with Wabanaki peoples. By the mid-1600s, English
settlers established outposts, but the Highlands' interior remained
largely unexplored due to its remoteness and dense forests. Conflicts
arose during the colonial wars (e.g., King Philip's War in 1675–1678 and
later French and Indian Wars), where Wabanaki allies of the French
resisted English expansion, leading to raids and displacement.
Permanent settlement accelerated after the American Revolution. In the
late 1700s, the region became part of Massachusetts (Maine was then a
district of it), with land grants attracting veterans and farmers. Towns
like Bangor (incorporated 1791) emerged as hubs, initially focused on
agriculture. Boundary disputes with British Canada simmered, as the
Treaty of Paris (1783) vaguely defined the border along the "highlands"
dividing Atlantic and St. Lawrence watersheds. This ambiguity fueled
tensions, culminating in the Aroostook War (1838–1839), a bloodless
conflict over lumber rights in the northern Highlands and Aroostook
County. The Webster-Ashburton Treaty (1842) resolved it, solidifying the
U.S.-Canada border and opening the area to further development.
The Lumber Boom and Industrial Era (1800s)
The 19th century marked
the Highlands' transformation into an industrial powerhouse, driven by
the lumber industry. Logging began modestly in the early 1600s on
coastal islands like Monhegan, but exploded inland after 1800, fueled by
demand for white pine masts for the British Navy and later U.S.
construction. The Penobscot River became the artery of the trade,
allowing loggers to float massive timber rafts from the northern woods
to Bangor, which by 1832 was the world's largest lumber shipping port,
with over 3,000 ships annually and 300 sawmills processing pine, spruce,
and hemlock. Innovations like the Lombard steam log hauler (invented
1901) revolutionized transport in remote areas.
This era brought
prosperity but also environmental strain, with clear-cutting altering
forests and rivers. Bangor earned the nickname "Lumber Capital of the
World," attracting immigrants from Ireland, Canada, and Scandinavia,
swelling its population to over 20,000 by mid-century. Henry David
Thoreau's 1846–1857 visits, documented in The Maine Woods, romanticized
the wilderness while critiquing industrialization. Maine's statehood in
1820 (as part of the Missouri Compromise) boosted growth, with the
Highlands contributing significantly to the economy. However, by the
late 1800s, overharvesting led to decline, shifting focus to pulp and
paper mills.
Wabanaki communities faced marginalization, with
treaties like the 1794 agreement confining the Penobscot to reservations
along the river. Despite this, they adapted, participating in logging
and guiding.
20th Century Transitions: Conservation and Tourism
The early 20th century saw the lumber industry's wane due to resource
depletion and competition from the West, prompting diversification into
paper production (e.g., mills in Millinocket) and agriculture. The Great
Depression hit hard, but New Deal programs aided recovery. World War II
spurred brief revivals in wood products.
Conservation emerged as a
counterforce. Governor Percival Baxter purchased land starting in 1931
to create Baxter State Park (1933), encompassing Mount Katahdin (5,269
feet, Maine's highest peak) and 209,644 acres of wilderness, emphasizing
preservation over recreation. This set a precedent for protecting over a
million acres in the region today, including Katahdin Woods and Waters
National Monument (2016). Tourism grew, drawing visitors for hiking,
fishing, and moose watching, inspired by Thoreau's writings.
Cultural
institutions preserved heritage: the Bangor Band (founded 1859, oldest
continuous community band in the U.S.), Bangor Opera House (1920), and
museums like the Patten Lumbermen's Museum and Leonard's Mills Forest
and Logging Museum. Wabanaki resurgence included land claims settlements
in the 1970s–1980s, restoring some sovereignty.
Modern Era (Late
20th Century–Present)
The rebranding to "Maine Highlands" in the
1990s highlighted subregions like Greater Bangor (urban hub with Stephen
King ties), Moosehead Lake (boating and seaplane tours), and the
Katahdin area (wilderness adventures). The economy blends sustainable
forestry, tourism, and arts, with events like the American Folk Festival
in Bangor. Challenges include rural depopulation and climate change
impacts on forests, but initiatives like dark-sky preservation in Baxter
Park underscore commitment to the region's natural legacy. Today, the
Highlands embody Maine's wild heart, where ancient indigenous traditions
meet modern conservation efforts.