QUICK TRAIL FACTS
- Preserve Size: 1,053 acres
- Trail Mileage: 4-mile loop
- Pets: yes
- Difficulty: easy to moderate
- Sights: bog, mature forest
By Sam Shirley
Located in Perham, this public land largely consists of an ecological reserve encompassing much of Salmon Brook Lake Bog (yes, that’s its actual name! Wonderfully verbose). The bog is home to numerous rare plants, and there are areas of beautiful mature forest surrounding it. The trail network is best accessed from the trailhead on Tangle Ridge Road. Alternatively, the Bangor and Aroostook Trail (a multi-use rail trail) can be used to get to the hiking trails. The trail is a little tricky to locate through the grassy field surrounding the parking lot, but it starts directly behind the kiosk, and it is much easier to follow once it enters the woods.
The blue-blazed trail winds its way through the forest, crossing numerous boardwalks and bog bridges along the way. (As of 2026, it looked like much of this bog bridging was about to be replaced.). After 0.8 mile, a trail junction is reached. Going right (west) will quickly bring you to the Bangor and Aroostook Trail, while the left (east) fork will keep you on the hiking trail. These two trails can be used to make an attractive loop of just under 4 miles round-trip from the trailhead.
At the southern end of the loop is a boat launch and picnic shelter on Salmon Brook. A short distance north of the picnic shelter is a short spur trail along a boardwalk into the bog. This spur ends at an observation deck looking out across Salmon Brook Lake Bog and Salmon Brook Lake. From the trailhead, the distance to the observation deck is 1.4 miles, and the distance to the picnic table is 1.9 miles.
This often overlooked public land is a great place to go for an easy and peaceful hike in northeastern Aroostook County.
Directions: From the east: From Route 228 in Perham, head north on Tupper Road (gravel). After 1.9 miles, turn left onto Tangle Ridge Road. In 3 miles, the trailhead will be on the left.
From the west: From Route 11 in Nashville Plantation, head northeast on Beaver Brook Road. This private gravel logging road is usually in excellent condition and is passable by all vehicles, but may be subject to seasonal closures. After 14.1 miles, bear right to stay on Beaver Brook Road. After 0.6 mile, bear left onto High Meadow Road. After 1 mile, turn left onto Tangle Ridge Road. In 3.2 miles, the trailhead will be on the right.
