Deasey and Lunksoos Mountains, Katahdin Woods and Waters

Deasey and Lunksoos Mountains offer a moderate but long hike, just about 15 miles round trip, much of it along the International Appalachian Trail (IAT), or Sentier International des Appalaches. The trail to these relatively small (they’re both under 2,000 feet) but lovely mountains includes a challenging river ford, a charming summit hut on Deasey, and beautiful views, especially from Lunksoos. I’m marking this hike as moderately challenging only because of the length, otherwise the hiking is moderate.

The trail begins at the large parking area at the end of Orin Falls Road. You’ll start down the dirt track at the end of the parking area, heading toward Orin Falls, but branch off to the right at 0.5 miles, onto the IAT toward the river. At this point, you’ll start seeing the white metal IAT/SIA signs, which are reliably nailed to trees throughout the hike. The river bottom at the crossing site is rocky and slippery, so be careful as you walk across. In high waters, it can be especially difficult.

The trail on the other side of Wassataquoik Stream brings you along the stream bank for a ~1.2-mile stretch, before it turns toward the mountains. After walking along the river for about 0.7 miles, you’ll turn slightly inland, away from the river, to cross a thickety, sandy area with shallow ponds and beaver activity. This short stretch can be a bit hard to follow.

The trail decisively turns inland into the forest at ~1.2 miles, and continues for ~2.8 miles through forest until you reach the intersection with the Werler Trail. Take a left here and hike 1.1 miles to reach the remains of an old fire warden’s hut, with the roof caved in. The next 0.8 miles are the most rigorous section of the hike — you’ll first head up a steep section behind the warden’s hut. Then the trail flattens a bit briefly, giving you a reprieve before the final relatively steep 0.5 push to the summit. The path splits 0.1 mile from the summit of Deasey. Go left here and enjoy the views and the fun hut, a restored version of the original 1929 hut, with its mountain finder and protection from the wind.

If you want to continue to Lunksoos (I recommend it!), return to the intersection 0.1 mile from the Deasey summit and go left. Head downhill for about 0.5 mile. At this point, the trail flattens somewhat before climbing again for roughly 0.4 miles to reach Lunksoos’s wonderful summit with views east and west. The distance between the two summits is about 1.5 miles. The trail is clearly not as well traveled as the trail to Deasey, but is still easy to follow and well signed.

On the return, once you reach the wide Wassataquoik Stream again, you may be tempted to ford it at an earlier junction to avoid the longish swing up and down the river along the IAT. If you do attempt a cut off, expect a steep but short scramble up the bank on the opposite side. But you’ll be rewarded with a pleasant walk back along the trail that connects the parking area to Esker Campsite.

Directions: The trailhead and parking area are at the end of Orin Falls Road, reachable via the Katahdin Loop Road. These roads were passable for a low-clearance car in 2024, but you’ll be more comfortable in a high-clearance one. Here are my basic directions: If you’re coming from the south and driving north on Route 95, you’ll want to get off in Sherman, for Route 158/Route 11—I think it is exit 264. Turn left onto Route 158, and in 0.4 miles, turn left onto Route 11 west. Drive for 5 miles, and continue straight when the road turns to dirt and becomes Swift Brook Road. (On your left at this intersection will be Grindstone Road.) Continue straight on this road for about 12 miles (you’ll have to drive over a scary bridge!). You’ll pass Sandbank Stream Campground on your left, and the first parking area, for Esker Trail, is on your left about 0.3 miles after the campground. The parking area for Deasey Pond is about 0.4 miles farther along, on the right. In another 1.5 miles or so after the Deasey Pond parking lot, you’ll reach Katahdin Loop Road. Go right. Drive 1.4 miles, take a right on Orin Falls Road. Drive to the end of this road, ~ 2.4 miles, to the large parking area. Distances are approximate.