Explore Borestone Mountain Panoramic Majesty in Maine’s Wilderness
If you're looking for an unforgettable outdoor experience in Maine's breathtaking wilderness, Borestone Mountain Audubon Sanctuary offers just that. Located in the heart of Maine's Hundred Mile Wilderness region, this pristine 1,600-acre sanctuary invites hikers, nature lovers, and families alike to explore its natural wonders.
Borestone Mountain is widely known for offering some of the best summit views in Maine. From its summit, visitors are treated to 360-degree panoramic views that stretch far across Maine's wilderness, including spectacular sights of Moosehead Lake, the Appalachian Mountains, and the Peaks-Kenny State Park region. The vantage point allows for an unobstructed view of the pristine wilderness that stretches beyond, with rolling hills, forests, and sparkling water bodies all visible from the top.
The summit’s granite outcrop, sitting at 1,981 feet, provides hikers with a vantage point that captures the natural beauty of Maine’s Hundred Mile Wilderness area, a landscape marked by its serene forests, dramatic mountain ranges, and the Borestone Ponds below. On clear days, the view extends even further, offering sight lines into the surrounding regions and beyond.
A Natural Paradise
The sanctuary boasts an array of remarkable features, including expansive old-growth forest, three beautiful ponds—Sunrise, Midday, and Sunset—each nestled into the landscape like hidden jewels, and towering granite cliffs. The exposed rock formations offer stunning panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness that make the challenging hike to the summit of Borestone Mountain more than worth the effort.
Popular Trails:
Among Maine’s most popular hiking destinations, Borestone Mountain offers a moderately strenuous climb that culminates with spectacular 360-degree views from two peaks at nearly 2,000 feet. With binoculars, hikers sometimes see moose feeding below. Connected trails are marked with blazes and lead 2.5 miles from the sanctuary entrance on Bodfish Valley Road to the top of the mountain.
Base Trail
This 1.1-mile trail begins from the shale-covered access road, at the first kiosk to the left. A moderate climb through mature forest, it winds back to the access road, which continues another 0.2 mile to the Visitor Center at Sunrise Pond. Hikers may also walk up the access road 1.3 miles from the entrance to the Visitor Center. An overlook offers an expansive view of Greenwood Pond.
Summit Trail
From the Visitor Center, the 1.0-mile Summit Trail follows Sunrise Pond’s shore before climbing steeply through spruce and, in its final stage, over exposed rock. The 0.7-mile trail includes 130 stone steps and two steel handholds before reaching West Peak; continue another 0.3 miles to East Peak.
Fox Pen Loop Trail
This trail stems from the Summit Trail about 0.1 miles from the visitor center. The 0.4-mile trail meanders down to a marsh area. Boardwalks traverse the marsh to the far side where there are remnants of fox pens just beneath an exposed wall of rock.
Peregrine Trail
This 0.5-mile trail begins opposite the Visitor Center and leads gradually upwards above a series of cliffs that overlook the three ponds. Just under 0.2 miles into the trail there is a fork in the trail; stay to the left (the trail right is for staff only). The trail ends at a ledge above the cliffs. (May occasionally be closed. Check with Nature Center staff.)
Visitor Center & Programs
On the shores of Sunrise Pond, you'll find a seasonal Visitor Center equipped with interactive displays, historical information, and a small nature shop. Open from June to October, the center offers plenty of insight into the sanctuary's rich history, wildlife, and conservation efforts. Guided nature programs and group rentals of the historic Adirondack-style lodges on Sunset Pond are also available, providing an immersive experience in one of Maine's most stunning natural environments.
Other Activities & Amenities
Besides hiking, visitors can enjoy fishing, canoeing, or simply relaxing by the water. Borestone’s ponds are perfect for canoeing, with rental options available. Wildlife enthusiasts will be in their element, with ample opportunities to spot various bird species, moose, and more. For those seeking a longer adventure, the sanctuary also offers other trails connecting to remote wilderness areas.
Contact Information
Borestone Mountain Audubon Sanctuary
Phone: 207-278-3811
Season: June to October
Website: Maine Audubon - Borestone
Make sure to add Borestone Mountain Audubon Sanctuary to your Maine itinerary.
Other Trails Nearby:
Borestone Mountain is surrounded by a variety of scenic hiking routes that showcase the natural beauty of Maine’s Hundred Mile Wilderness region. Some nearby hiking trails to explore include:
1. Gulf Hagas
Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
Distance: 8.6-mile loop
Known as the "Grand Canyon of Maine," Gulf Hagas offers breathtaking waterfalls, swimming holes, and rugged terrain, perfect for hikers seeking adventure and stunning views.
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 8.4 miles
This trail offers scenic views of the Appalachian Mountains and surrounding wilderness. It's part of the Appalachian Trail and takes you through dense forests and up to a summit with panoramic views.
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 4.2 miles round trip
Located near Moosehead Lake, Big Moose Mountain provides a more moderate challenge with a rewarding view of the lake and surrounding area from the summit.
Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
Distance: 5 miles round trip
A portion of the Appalachian Trail, Chairback Mountain is known for its unique views of the 100-Mile Wilderness and is often hiked alongside other sections of the AT.
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 5.1 miles round trip
Close to Borestone Mountain, Little Moose offers a less crowded but equally rewarding hike, with spectacular views of Moosehead Lake and Big Squaw Mountain.
These routes complement the experience of hiking Borestone Mountain and give visitors multiple options to explore the stunning wilderness of Maine's Highlands and its surrounding peaks.
What to Do in Moosehead Lake
Want more information? Check out our Moosehead News for the latest updates on seasonal events, local news, and detailed guides to make the most of your visit to the Moosehead Lake region.
Boating: Explore the lake's serene waters.
Hiking: Explore the the wilderness.
Fishing: Discover prime fishing spots.
Camping: Find the best campsites for a wilderness retreat.
Local Attractions: Learn about must-see sights in the region.
Stay updated with the latest happenings and news in the Moosehead Lake region. Learn more about what to do and where to go in the Moosehead Lake area and beyond.
Perfect Accommodation for Your Visit
Look no further for the perfect accommodation during your visit to the Monson, Shirley, Greenville, Rockwood, and Jackman areas of Maine. Moose River Lookout offers an idyllic retreat nestled along the serene Moose River at the base of the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains in Rockwood.
Ultimate Outdoor Getaway
With direct backyard access to Maine's Interconnected Trail System (ITS66) and a private dock on the river, adventure awaits right outside your door. Whether you're into hiking, golfing, boating, fishing, hunting, skiing, or snowmobiling, you'll find it all just steps away from our doorstep.
Book Your Stay
Experience the ultimate outdoor getaway in the heart of Maine's natural beauty. For inquiries or to make a reservation, please don't hesitate to contact us. We look forward to welcoming you to Moose River Lookout our Rockwood Moose River cabin!
Phone: 800-544-0300
Email: mooseriverlookout@gmail.com
Address: 4054 Rockwood Rd Rockwood, ME 04478
Website: Moose River Lookout
Be sure to check out the nearby trails and enjoy some of the local dining options in Rockwood and Greenville to round out your visit. Whether you’re seeking the tranquility of a remote pond, the thrill of summiting a mountain, or a peaceful getaway in an old-world lodge, Borestone offers something for every nature lover.
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