Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge, Edmunds Township

I might call this trail a hidden gem, or at least a pretty stone! While it is hard to voluntarily opt to hike an inland trail in this part of Maine where there are so many gorgeous coastal paths, I am so glad I explored this area.

The Moosehorn Wildlife Refuge has two large sections — one in Edmunds Township and one slightly north in Baring. In the Edmunds Township refuge, there was just one clear walking path when I visited. Other paths marked on a Cobscook Trails map appear to have been discontinued?

If you drive into the refuge on South Trail Road, you’ll first pass a very short paved trail to a wooden platform lookout. It is wheelchair accessible, and the view appears to be of forest and bog. Being sort of a naturalist nincompoop, I wasn’t sure what was exciting about the view.

If you keep driving down the road, you’ll find the Wilderness Trail and small parking area. This trail is about four miles, and takes you through some forests and past a couple of wetlands. It is peaceful. You’ll end up at a creek (Hobart Stream) and another small parking lot, and if you only have one car, should walk back along the gravel road (about two miles).

I also recommend another section of this refuge, especially perhaps for people interested in birds. If you continue driving north on Route 1 from this area about 2.6 miles or so, you’ll pass a little pull-over place along the road and an old overgrown track blocked by a gate. Walk past the gate and along the faint track to a little bridge to see some views.

Directions: From Route 1, turn onto South Trail Road, close to Cobscook Bay State Park. This is a one-way road. You will find the trailhead for the Wilderness Trail at about .9 miles (you’ll pass a little parking lot for the paved, wheelchair-accessible path on your left at about .5 miles). You must leave the refuge from North Trail Road.