Highlands is a region in Maine that encompasses Piscataquis and Penobscot Counties.
Cities
[edit]
- 1 Bangor
- 2 Corinth
- 3 Dexter
- 4 Dover-Foxcroft
- 5 East Millinocket
- 6 Greenville
- 7 Hampden
- 8 Lincoln
- 9 Millinocket
- 10 Milo
- 11 Monson
- 12 Newport
- 13 Old Town
- 14 Orono
- 15 Patten
- 16 Woodville
Other destinations
[edit]- 1 Moosehead Lake Region (Maine)
- 2 Baxter State Park – possibly Maine's best-preserved wilderness home to the state's highest peak
Understand
[edit]The highland region is made of two counties, with a combined population of 169,000 (2020). The region is sparsely populated especially in the Piscataquis region. Penobscot county is named after the Penobscot tribe of the Wabanaki confederation, and Piscataquis for the Abenaki word meaning "branch of the river." The river that is branching is the Penobscot River, a 109-mile tidal river that empties into Penobscot Bay. Historically the Penobscot River was used as a trade corridor into interior Maine.
Hunting, fishing and other outdoor recreation are popular pastimes for the locals and the biggest draws for the region.
Get in
[edit]Drive or hike.
Get around
[edit]See
[edit]- [dead link] One Hundred Mile Sled Dog Race, ☏ +1 207 695-2702, toll-free: +1-888-876-2778, [email protected]. Moosehead Lake Rd., Greenville, The 2nd Annual Sled Dog race (2007). Starting at the Katahdin Parking lot going to Brownville and back. Planned for February 10, 2007 with the alternated date of March 17, 2007
- One Hundred Mile Wilderness, Beginning in Monson, this section of the Appalachian trail combines ruggedness in the south end and lakes on the north end to give you a good taste of hiking in Maine. But, it isn't true wilderness, you pass 2 logging highways, and several smaller roads.
- Mount Katahdin, A very impressive mountain range, including Baxter Peak, a high point, well above tree line, at over 5300 feet, that is also the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail, and the southern terminus of the International Appalachian Trail. A very tough climb from below 1000 feet if you take the Hunt Trail (AT) Or, maybe not so tough if you start from the very remote Chimney Pond at 2900 feet.
- 1 Baxter State Park, Donated to the state by former governor Percival Baxter, this is a very wild park. Lots of hiking trails. Lots of peaks and lakes and chipmunks.
- Gulf Hagas, An impressive canyon with lots of waterfalls on the west branch of the Pleasant River. A rugged 10 mile day hike, if you have time, or a 5-mile detour off the AT, if you are hiking through. This is on Katahdin Iron Works road, somewhere west of Maine 11.
- Katahdin Iron Works, Ruins of an 1825 Iron Works. The only thing left is the rock/brick furnace, and one (of 9 original) Charcoal Kilns. Ore was mined locally and trees harvested for charcoal, and the pig iron was made here. On Katahdin Iron Works Road, somewhere west of Maine 11.
- Barren Slides, Excellent views with a relatively short (but rugged) day hike. Off the AT, near Elliotsville Road.
Do
[edit]Hike, camp, hunt, fish, ATVs
The entire state of Maine isn't about finding modern entertainment. It's about disconnecting and enjoying life and the great outdoors, from the coast to Aroostook County.
Eat
[edit]Drink
[edit]Stay safe
[edit]While many people come to Maine with hopes to see moose it is important to keep your distance, as they can be easily agitated and tend to charge those they see as threats. Also remember that moose can be extremely difficult to see at night because their eyes do not reflect light like deer and their dark coloration.
Cell phone coverage can get dicey the further north you move from I-95. If you are exploring less populated regions, it's important to account for this and have plans to self-rescue if you need to. It is always best practice to inform people of where you are going and how long you plan to be when you venture out into more remote regions. If you are hiking or camping, you'll want to check in with a trail or visitor center to make sure officials know you're in the area and to keep an eye or ear out for signs of distress.
Go next
[edit]