Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Natural Areas/Preserves
Mount Kineo
: This unusual monadnock of volcanic flint-like
rock, called rhyolite, towers 700 feet above Moosehead Lake.
Native peoples traded pieces of this rock with tribes hundreds of
miles away. The summit offers 360° views, taking in Katahdin to the
east. The Nature Conservancy protects 800 acres or so here.
DID YOU KNOW?
Henry David Thoreau is believed
to have camped on the north end of the peninsula dur-
ing one of his many canoe trips in Northern Maine.
Peregrine falcons nest on the towering cliffs. Hiking trails range from
moderate to strenuous. Access by boat in summer, snowmobile in winter.
Faded resort at foot on south side. Golf course still active.
Nature Conservancy of Maine office is located at 14 Maine Street, Bruns-
wick 04011.
729-5181.
See
Cruises
section, page 433, for information about the boat shuttle from
Rockwood.
The Hermitage, Katahdin Iron Works
: Accessible only on foot, the
Nature Conservancy's Hermitage is a 36-acre grove of towering white
pines that have not been touched in nearly 200 years. Located along the
banks of the Pleasant River, it is reached by taking a section of the Appa-
lachian Trail east from where it cross a dirt road just west of the river. Ac-
cess can also be had by trails on the east side of the river. Pugwash Pond,
a National Natural Landmark, and other kettle ponds are waterholes left
by retreating glaciers. Nearby is Gulf Hagas, considered the Grand Can-
yon of the East. (See
Hiking
section, below.) Several attractive falls
nearby including Screw Auger Falls and Hay Brook Falls.
Nature Conservancy of Maine office is located at 14 Maine Street, Bruns-
wick 04011.
729-5181.
Katahdin Iron Works, Brownville Junction
: In the 1800s a bustling
industrial complex and village produced tons of pig iron each year. Only
the stone remains of a crude blast furnace, and there are also the remains
of one of the original 16 charcoal kilns, and some old foundations. A State
Historic Site. At its high point the iron works employed more than 400
men and used 200 horse and oxen to haul an incredible 20,000 cords of
wood a year to feed the kilns. No fee. Located at the site of the North
Maine Woods KI Checkpoint. Access to camping and nearby Gulf Hagas.
435-6213.
Borestone Mountain Sanctuary, Elliotsville Township
: More than
1,500 acres on a unique mountain with three high ponds (Sunset, Midday
and Sunrise) and great views of Barren Mountain and other ridgelines.
