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Home , Baxter State Park, Big Spencer Mountain, Chesuncook Lake, Daaquam River, Debsconeag Lakes, Gero Island

www.parksandlands.com Property History When to Visit Bureau of Parks and Lands and Parks of Bureau he rivers, streams, and lakes in the Seboomook/Pe- The best paddling is between May and September, with the fish- nobscot region were highways for native people, who ing usually best in either of those “shoulder season” months.

Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry and Conservation Agriculture, Thave been present here for nearly 12,000 years. Recreational dam releases tend to occur on Saturdays during

routes in the region date back at least 1,000 years, linking the July, August and September: call GLHA at 1- 888-323-4341

Maine Department of Department Kennebec, , and Allagash rivers, are still enjoyed for more on Falls and Seboomook dam releases. For today by recreational paddlers traveling the historic 740-mile more on timing of McKay Station (Ripogenus Dam) releases, Northern Canoe Trail. call Brookfield Power at 1-888-323-4341. Some of these paddling routes were taken by writer and naturalist Mosquitoes and black flies are thickest in late May through Overview Upper West Branch and Henry David Thoreau on three extended trips between 1846 and July. Various types of hunting take place in fall, with bear bait 1857. Thoreau’s The Maine Woods describes his journey into a season generally during September, hunting from late he upper reaches of the run through a The wildest portion of the corridor, the Upper West Branch wild landscape that attracted both adventurers and lumbermen. September through mid-October, and firearms season for deer mountainous, forested landscape defined by the power- offers scenic canoeing, camping and fishing (with gentle waters in November. Snowmobilers usually find good trail conditions Lumbering, already beginning as Thoreau explored the region, Tful presence of Maine’s highest summit, Mt. Katahdin from Roll Dam to ). Lobster Lake has pre- Debsconeag campsite on the PRC. from December through March. The 20-mile Road to Historic continued to grow throughout the 1800s. Great Northern Paper

(5,267 feet). This region is rich in recreational opportuni- dominantly wooded shores broken by sandy beaches and rocky Photo by Mike Leighton. Pittston Farm is plowed in winter; however, most roads are not

ties and traditions, and the Penobscot River Corridor (PRC), outcrops (with a mix of sedimentary and volcanic formations Company operated two local establishments near Seboomook and Chesuncook Lakes Chesuncook and consistently plowed so vehicle access in winter is limited. Snow- Lake to house and feed lumbermen and passing sportsmen. It

spanning over 100 miles of river and lakes, offers over 120 that incorporate many fossils). Visitors enjoy watching the Services & Facilities shoers and backcountry skiers can explore surrounding lands

campsites and exceptional fishing, canoeing, and whitewater abundant birds, for landlocked salmon and trout, and purchased Pittston Farm and the surrounding township in 1906

Seboomook, Lobster Seboomook, • Campsites (limited to 12 people per site except at group sites from trailheads near Pittston Farm. paddling. Wildlife abounds, and visitors frequently see moose, and, at the peak of its production, the farm had more than 100

hiking up Lobster Mountain from Jackson Cove. that can accommodate 30 people): 42 along Canada Falls and

horses and a boarding house that could sleep 40 people. Great

and fishing along the scenic West Branch, West scenic the along fishing and deer, black bears and bald eagles. Seboomook Lakes; 13 at Lobster Lake; 14 along the Upper

Chesuncook Lake Northern also managed another farm, the Seboomook House

There are four distinct areas within the PRC: the Seboomook/ West Branch; 22 along Chesuncook Lake; and 29 along the ackcountry canoeing, kayaking, boating, kayaking, canoeing, ackcountry B (where Seboomook Wilderness Campground is now located). Maine’s third largest lake, Chesuncook is popular among those Lower West Branch. All sites have a fire ring, table and out- Canada Falls area; the Upper West Branch and Lobster Lake; During World War II, the federal government used this property Chesuncook Lake; and the Lower West Branch. seeking salmon, brook and lake trout, and white and yellow house, and many are accessible only by water. perch. It offers views to Mt. Katahdin and access to historic as an internment camp for between 200 and 250 captured Ger- man and Czech prisoners of war (who were sent out with axes • Three large-group sites are along the Lower West Branch for Canada Falls Area/Seboomook Chesuncook Village (dedicated as a National Historic Landmark which reservations are required (Horserace, Salmon Point in 1973). Much of , just across from the Village, is a and saws each day to cut ). Managed for recreation, wildlife and timber, the State’s 41,436 and Omaha Beach). Rafting groups eat lunch at these so State-designated Ecological Reserve where forest ecosystems are acres of gently rolling hills and around Canada Falls and Over a span of decades, hundreds of dams were built along the reservations can only be made for one night and the site must kept in their natural condition and monitored over time. Seboomook Lake offer remote recreation opportunities— river corridor to aid in floating logs and powering (and be vacated by 11 a.m. later paper mills). Both Seboomook and Canada Falls Lakes including hunting (deer, moose, bear, grouse and woodcock), • Twelve boat launches. www.maine.gov/dacf/boatlaunches Lower West Branch were created from dams. Today both dams are owned by Great fishing (wild and landlocked salmon), boating, • Picnic areas.

wildlife watching and challenging whitewater paddling. Below Chesuncook Lake, the river enters the dramatic Ripog- Lakes Hydro America LLC and are operated as part of a head-

waters storage system for downstream generation. Paddling Routes guide & map & guide enous Gorge, a two-mile granite-walled canyon with some of Weekly dam releases (July through September) below Canada the Northeast’s most challenging high-volume whitewater. The Ripogenus Dam, the largest dam ever built by a private com- Falls Lake generate 3.5 miles of technical Class IV-Class V popular West Branch rafting trip begins at McKay Station, runs Upper Penobscot River Corridor whitewater in a highly scenic small-river setting. Minimum pany when it was constructed, merged three former lakes into through the Gorge, and continues for 9 miles of flatwater and Chesuncook Lake. The small settlement of Chesuncook flows below the Seboomook Lake Dam ensure good whitewater whitewater. Between Big Eddy and Ambejejus Lake is a mix and Canada Falls Lake

boating (at beginning and intermediate levels) over a series of Village was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1973.

of flat water and whitewater with several falls and stretches of Only a few people still live in the village year-round, but it has Weekly dam releases (July through September) below Canada gentle drops called the Roll Dams, valued as a training area and heavy rapids. Past Debsconeag Falls, the river becomes calmer

Public Lands Public Falls Lake generate 3.5 miles of challenging Class IV-Class V for commercial excursions. an inn, Chesuncook Lake House, that was built in 1864 to serve

and there are scenic beaches (such as Omaha Beach, a popular the region’s loggers. whitewater. Between Seboomook Dam and Roll Dam, pad-

Primitive campsites border the rivers and lakes, providing great swimming, picnicking and camping destination). Many camp- dlers enjoy Class III whitewater through much of the season (at

& Seboomook & family camping opportunities and base camps for boating and sites along the Lower West Branch are drive-to or easy walk-in water levels from 350 cfs up to 3,000+). Below Roll Dam, the

fishing excursions. Two private inholdings, Historic Pittston settings (some are restricted to tents while others can accom- Upper West Branch offers a mix of quiet water and gentle quick

Corridor Corridor Farm and Seboomook Wilderness Campground, offer lodging modate large RVs). water (typically a 3- to 4-day day trip to Chesuncook Village).

for those who prefer less rustic options. Both establishments The State holds a conservation easement on the privately owned Paddlers can take out at Umbazooksus Stream (a trip of 35 draw hunters in the fall, and Pittston Farm serves many snow- miles), continue to the eastern end of Chesuncook (another 17 Penobscot River River Penobscot timberlands along the river’s corridor. This permanent legal mobilers (on the “Moosehead Loop” trail) and ATV users (who agreement limits development within 500 feet of the water’s miles), or head into the Allagash Wilderness Waterway (AWW) can now reach Pittston Farm from regional ATV trail networks edge and grants the Bureau of Parks and Lands the right to via either Umbazooksus Stream and the Mud Pond Portage or on private land). manage the river for public recreational use. Typical lean-to. Caucomgomac Stream and Round Pond (both require substan- tial portages—for more details, see AWW materials). Lower Penobscot River Corridor

The Region Timber Management on Special Considerations The Class III-V rapids in this stretch of river should only be run by guided whitewater rafts and experienced whitewater Directions Maine’s Public Lands Fees are required to access the . paddlers. See the AMC Canoe Guide to Maine or DeLorme’s • The upper reaches of the Penobscot River Corridor lie within To reach Seboomook Omaha Beach on the PRC. Volume 3: Northern Rivers canoeing guide for details. and put-ins for the The Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands (BPL) actively man- North Maine Woods recreational system: visitors must pass Upper West Branch trip ages its Public Lands to achieve multiple sustainable benefits: through a checkpoint and pay the required day use or camping from Greenville, take resource protection, public recreation, wildlife habitat and fees. The State of Maine is a member of North Maine Woods, the 20-mile Road north marketable forest products (revenues from which help fund an organization that manages recreation on nearly three mil- of Rockwood. Proceed Public Land management). The Bureau employs scientifi- lion acres in northern Maine. Fees collected at checkpoints to the T-intersection cally based practices to achieve exemplary forest management defray the costs of managing public access and maintaining (at South Seboomook fostering the health and viability of landscape-scale ecosystems. recreational facilities. www.northmainewoods.org Road) and turn left for BPL’s forest practices are green-certified by two independent Logging trucks frequest area roads. Watch out for them and: the South Branch and auditors: the Forest Stewardship Council™ and the Sustain- Canada Falls Lake (pay Lat 45.97546 / Lon -69.523756 able Forestry Initiative™. No-harvest zones are • Pull over and stop for trucks regardless of which direction day use and camping fee regularly established to buffer sensitive natural they’re headed; they have right-of-way. at the checkpoint) or turn right for Seboomook Campground resources and recreational areas in addition to Visitor Rules Know applicable laws. and Seboomook Dam. Continue past Seboomook Dam to reach the Bureau’s Ecological Reserve System. Fires Kindle fires only in authorized campsites with fire • The Maine Department of Inland and Wildlife launch sites at Roll Dam. rings. Do not cut live vegetation. (MDIFW) Warden Service does search-and-rescue operations To reach Penobscot Farm and Lobster Stream, secure a North Burn only local wood: www.maine.gov/forestpests and enforces state fish and game laws, boating laws (on inland Maine Woods (NMW) pass to negotiate a NMW electronic Pets Pets in campsites must be leashed and attended; waters), and ATV and snowmobile laws. To learn more about checkpoint at the border of the Seboomook Unit (available at outside of campsites, pets must be under control. applicable laws and to purchase appropriate licenses, visit the 20-Mile checkpoint located across the South Branch). Trash Carry out all trash. www.maine.gov/ifw. Access to the Lower West Branch is off the Golden Road west Firearms Do not discharge weapons within 300 feet of any of Millinocket. Pet owners should exercise caution. picnic area, camping area, parking area, posted • Trappers are permitted to use Maine Public Lands so be Fees hiking trail or other developed area. careful with your pets. Day use and camping fees are charged at the North Maine Woods Loaded firearms are not permitted at campsites or Campsite on Seboomook. recreational system checkpoints (see Special Considerations). on hiking trails. Wear blaze orange during hunting season. • www.northmainewoods.org Fishing Several ponds are only. Valid license Cell phones should not be counted on in an emergency. Online information for all Maine Parks and Lands sites: required; review the State’s open water fishing • Cell phone coverage is spotty to non-existent. • www.parksandlands.com Partners and Supporters regulations. Use lead-free sinkers and jigs to pre- • Plan carefully for trips in these remote areas: carry a map Hiking Trails Campgrounds at Maine State Parks: www.campwithme.com vent metal poisoning of loons, eagles and other Major funding for acquisition of State lands and other con- and compass. Notify someone of your intended route and wildlife. www.maine.gov/ifw/ The is accessible off the Golden Rd. at Abol Contacts www.maine.gov/penobscotrivercorridor servation easements in the area came from the Forest Society time of return, monitor weather conditions carefully, and be of Maine, USDA Forest Legacy Program, the Land for Maine’s Bear On Seboomook Public Lands by permit only, not Bridge. Hiking trails managed by link with the Seboomook Public Lands prepared to wait out windy conditions on shore. River levels Penboscot River Corridor Future Program, The Nature Conservancy, Maine Outdoor Baiting on the Penobscot River Corridor (PRC). AT, providing several hiking opportunities in the Abol area (see Northen Region Parks Western Public Lands below dams can rise rapidly. Exercise caution and respect Heritage Fund, the National Park Service’s Land and Water Power Use no chainsaws, generators or other power Nearby Destinations). 106 Hogan Road, Suite 7 129 Main Street strong currents. Conservation Fund, and the U. S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Equipment equipment around campsites. Upper West Branch paddlers can stretch their legs hiking Lob- Bangor, ME 04401 P.O. Box 327 Moose, bear and other large animals are abundant. Farmington, ME 04938 This brochure was made possible in part by funding through Camping Camp only at designated sites; first-come, first- ster Mountain (2,318 feet) from the Jackson Cove campsite on 207-941-4014 • Observe from a safe distance; do not flush wildlife. Portage Trails Park Manager Voice Mail: 207-778-8231 the Federal Highway Administration’s Recreational Trails Pro- on PRC served; self registration on site; fees collected at Lobster Lake (a moderately challenging trail that is 2 miles one NMWoods gate OR at on-site self-registration. • Food items must be securely stowed when camping; keep way and clearly marked). (207) 592-1153 gram, administered by the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands. Two historic portage routes connect and the Groups of more than 12 campers are restricted to tents free of food and food odors. Emergency Assistance (3,230 feet) is a remote but popular West Branch of the Penobscot River: Northwest Carry (2 miles) Weekends & Off-hours: group sites. (PRC = Penobscot River Corridor) Monday-Friday, 8-5 State Police Dispatch Center Help stop invasive species. hiking destination with a 2-mile trail (including some ladders and Northeast Carry (1.9 miles). These portages, first used by Radio Dispatch Center Limit of Campers may not exceed a 14-day stay in a 45-day (207) 532-5400, or • Clean all watercraft before they are launched and after and steep sections) to its flat-topped summit. From the Golden Native Americans, link the Kennebec and the Penobscot rivers, (207) 435-7963 Stay period. (PRC only: OR 7 consecutive days at 1-800-924-2261 (in-state only) retrieval. www.maine.gov/dep/water/invasives/ Road, take the Greenville Road south toward Kokadjo approxi- two of Maine’s most prominent river systems. The Northwest one site.) mately 7 miles to a rough gravel road (Culvert Road) on right, Carry route is now part of the Northern Forest Canoe Trail. • Buy only local firewood. www.maine.gov/forestpests Abandoned Bureau of Parks and Lands staff may take custody and travel 5 miles to trailhead (on left). Property of any personal property left unattended for Be a responsible and Leave No Trace. Along the course of the Penobscot River Corridor are numer- more than 3 days (unless advance written ous short portage paths around rapids or drops. Always research • Learn more at www.lnt.org

2016 Katahdin from the PRC. permission is given). paddling conditions and scout challenging rapids. Penobscot River Corridor and Seboomook Public Lands

Nearby Destinations Moosehead Lake Shoreline Lands encompass several signifi- Nahmakanta Public Lands, spanning more than 43,000 Allagash Wilderness Waterway has 92 miles of spectacular Baxter State Park, with more than 200,000 acres and 46 Wilderness Area (The Nature Conservancy), cant parcels along Moosehead Lake, including the renowned acres, offers lakeside camping and hiking trails (including 12 of canoeing and fishing along Maine’s only designated “National mountain peaks (including Mt. Katahdin), provides abundant spanning 46,271 acres, contains mature forests and the highest The Penobscot River Corridor lies within the Maine High- with 5 miles of hiking trails. the most scenic miles along the Appalachian Trail). Scenic and Wild River.” hiking, boating and camping opportunities and is the northern concentration of pristine, remote ponds in . lands Region that encompasses Baxter State Park and other terminus of the Appalachian Trail. notable North Woods attractions in Piscataquis County: