Maine Public Lands

All Maine Public Lands trails, and roads remain open. However Tumbledown Mt. Public Lands and other traditionally popular destinations are experiencing heavy use. It would be wise to look for alternative hikes in other areas to prevent overcrowding and enable social distancing. Camping on Tumbledown is not permitted due to the present situation. Stay informed with the most recent COVID-19 and Safety updates from the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands.

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Some of Maine's most outstanding natural features and secluded locations are found on Maine's Public Lands. The more than half million acres are managed for a variety of resource values including recreation, wildlife, and timber.

Great Circle Trail Completion Celebrated

The Great Circle Trail completion was celebrated on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021. View a short video about the Great Circle Trail. View the new Nahmakanta map with the Great Circle Trail highlighted.

Watch Now: Untold Secret

The Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands new 21-minute short film, Untold Secret, explores the unbelievably beautiful Maine Public Lands. These are magical places in Maine—and they belong to all of us.

Watch Untold Secret Segments

Bigelow Preserve Public Land

Located in western Maine just east of the village of Stratton about 40 miles north of Farmington, Bigelow Preserve includes over 36,000 acres of public land.

Deboullie Public Land

The 21,871-acre Deboullie Public Lands offer remote campsites on crystal-clear trout ponds surrounded by low rugged mountains.

Ecological Sensitivity

Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands manages Ecological Reserves and uses strategic methods to protect habitat and biodiversity.

Expertise

Discover BPL's culture, views and experiences

Timber Management

Learn about Maine Public Land sustainable forest management

Cutler Coast Public Land

Cutler Coast Public Lands, a 12,234-acre expanse of blueberry barrens, woodlands and peatlands with 4.5 miles of headlands (interspersed by pocket coves and cobble beaches) overlooking the Bay of Fundy.

Moosehead Region Public Lands

Moosehead Lake, New England's largest freshwater body, lies at the gateway to the North Maine Woods and offers camping, fishing, hunting, paddling, hiking, paddling, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing opportunities.

Recreational Experiences

Everyday, Maine Public Lands are filled with new adventure, activity and recreational experiences

Wildlife Habitat

Wildlife thrives on Maine Public Land

Untold Secret took over a year to film and includes footage from just a few of the Maine Public Lands. Watch the segments and if you are interested in learning more, explore the large number of Maine Public Lands and Maine State Parks content on our Publications and Maps page.

Downloads: Use these images to freely share Untold Secret on your social channels.


Photos top to bottom: Attean Pond, Tunk Lake and Big Spencer Mt. / Staff photos

Seboeis Logging Operation / Staff photo

Recreational Opportunities Include:

Be Prepared:

  • For a rugged, backcountry experience in a remote setting on Public Lands ranging from 500 to 43,000-plus acres.
  • Plan your trip by visiting our search page and view the Your Maine Lands brochure (PDF 3MB). Our Mini Guide (PDF 112KB) includes public lands too. Individual brochures are available on the Publications and Maps page.
  • Know your limits and abilities and those of your group.
  • Backcountry first aid and self-rescue skills are recommended;
    Public Lands are not staffed like Maine State Parks.
  • Cell phone service is not reliable on many of the Public Lands.
  • Yield the right-of-way to logging trucks at all times.
  • Rules of the Public Lands for review before your visit.
  • Buy It Where You Burn It! Do not bring firewood into the State of Maine; help stop spread of forest-killing invasive insects.
  • Lean more about specific locations by using the search page.
  • Unpaved private roads provide access to many of these primitive recreation areas. Access is a privilege not a right; please respect the landowner's property.

Fees:

  • Generally not charged;
    • In a few instances such as inside the North Maine Woods, Public Lands are managed in cooperation with neighboring landowners and fees are collected.

Management:

  • Maine's Public Lands are managed to provide a variety of public benefits while stewarding lands and waters for future generations. These include:
    • Vital wildlife habitats
    • Unique plant communities
    • Geologic features
    • Historical and cultural sites
  • Multiple-uses are managed under a "dominant use" system which ensures that sensitive resources such as rare plants and backcountry recreation areas are not disturbed by more intensive management activities.
  • Read the Public Lands Annual Report and the Highlights & Summary Report.

Sustainable Forest Management:

  • Scientifically-based timber harvests support land management activities and are planned in coordination with recreation, wildlife, forest health, and scenic considerations.
  • Revenues from certified sustainable forestry timber sales help to pay for trails, campsites, roads and other infrastructure and wildlife management projects. Watch a timber harvest video.
  • Harvesting is conducted by private contractors under the supervision of Public Lands Foresters.
  • The Bureau’s forest practices are third-party certified to two independent standards: the Forest Stewardship Council® and the Sustainable Forestry Initiative®.

Our Contact Information:

Call the Bureau of Parks and Lands main office, (207) 287-4960, to be directed to the appropriate Region Office.

Lands Regions Map & Contact Information (PDF 590KB)

Region Offices:

Northern Public Lands Office
45 Radar Road
Ashland, Maine 04732
(207) 768-6892
Fax: (207) 435-7184

Western Public Lands Office
129 Main Street (PO Box 327)
Farmington, ME 04938
(207) 778-8231

Eastern Public Lands Office
106 Hogan Road, Suite 5
Bangor, ME 04401
(207) 941-4412