Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge

I might call this trail a hidden gem, or at least a pretty stone! While it is hard to voluntarily 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. (As you can see from the map, there do appear to be more trails.)

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 a small parking area and the start of South Trail (formally called the Wilderness Trail). I followed this to Camp Two Trail to North Trail (roughly 3.5 miles), walking through forest 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, Crane Mill Road, about 2 miles.

I also recommend another section of this refuge, especially 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 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 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 0.9 miles (you’ll pass a little parking lot for the paved, wheelchair-accessible path on your left at about 0.5 miles). You must leave the refuge from North Trail Road.