A paradise for hikers, campers, kayakers, and quiet solitude seekers, Maine’s diverse landscape is full of incredible adventures for those who live and breathe the great outdoors. From rolling mountains, endless waterways, and dense forests to exhilarating ocean overlooks and rocky shorelines – there’s no shortage of destinations to add to your travel bucket list. And the list of ways to explore them is even greater!
Fortunately, it doesn’t take more than a short drive in any direction to find yourself in the heart of the wilderness that makes up our state’s backyard. But for a taste of nearly everything Maine has to offer all in one place, the overlooked Deboullie Public Lands in the North Maine Woods is hard to beat! Your inner explorer will thank you. Check it out:
Welcome to Deboullie Public Reserved Lands and Ecological Reserve.
Garrett Belanger/Google
Just 30 miles from the Canadian border, a blanket of green envelops the nearly 2,000-foot Deboullie Mountain and its lush foothills, towering over a sea of sparkling Maine backcountry waterways.
Jessica Martin/AllTrails
These 22,000 acres of pristine state land are a quiet escape from the bustle down east and home to endless outdoor adventures.
Nadine Deschaine/Google It’s important to note that this gorgeous slice of Maine lies within the North Maine Woods system, meaning visitors must check in and pay required use fees before enjoying.
Gorgeous hiking opportunities are a given (it’s Maine, after all!), and the well-marked trails make it easy to explore the low rugged mountains.
Keri Kight
While there are miles of short and sweet trails to choose from, the Deboullie Mountain Trail is a fantastic place to start.
Chris DuBois/AllTrails This four-mile hike not only offers gorgeous water views, it also crosses a historic rock slide site and ends with a scenic overlook.
You’ll also want to pay a visit to the Deboullie Fire Tower, which offers stunning panoramic views of Aroostook County, Katahdin, and all the way into Canada.
Kylie Webster/AllTrails The tower cabin was recently destroyed in a storm, but local efforts have been working quickly to rebuild and preserve this historic lookout.
Or, check out the lengthier Loop Trail to explore multiple ponds up close and personal.
Kylie Webster/AllTrails Altogether, you’ll find 17 unique and pristine ponds here, from the petite Stink Pond to the namesake Deboullie Pond. These crystal clear waters are home to native brook trout, salmon, and the rare arctic char - making this incredible nature area a fisherman’s (and paddler’s) paradise!
There’s always something new to discover and enjoy at Deboullie. Like ice caves…
Lewis Chase/Google
Waterfalls, both mapped and hidden…
Andy Thrasher/Flickr Red River Falls are the most well-known in the area, but you’ll find (and hear!) a few other cascades if you venture into the trees.
Wildlife…
Chris Hoff/Flickr While loons, eagles, and even lynx can be spotted here, this is also the heart of moose and black bear country. Be safe, respectful, prepared, and hyper-aware of your surroundings!
Waterfront camping opportunities…
Chris Bennett/Getty Images Remote backcountry living, 360-degrees of nature, perfect stargazing opportunities, and nary a soul in sight? That’s #campinggoals.
And the seasonal beauty is about as close to perfect as it gets. Photographers, rejoice!
Lisa Thiel-Wood/AllTrails
The only question left is - with so much to explore here, will you hike, paddle, or lounge your way through Deboullie?
Sven Schildt/Google
However you choose to enjoy this remote slice of Maine, just be sure to catch a sunset while you’re here!
Jennifer/Flickr
Solitude guaranteed. And did we mention the epic blueberry picking? We’d love to hear about your favorite places to explore and things to do at Deboullie!
Garrett Belanger/Google
Jessica Martin/AllTrails
Nadine Deschaine/Google
It’s important to note that this gorgeous slice of Maine lies within the North Maine Woods system, meaning visitors must check in and pay required use fees before enjoying.
Keri Kight
Chris DuBois/AllTrails
This four-mile hike not only offers gorgeous water views, it also crosses a historic rock slide site and ends with a scenic overlook.
Kylie Webster/AllTrails
The tower cabin was recently destroyed in a storm, but local efforts have been working quickly to rebuild and preserve this historic lookout.
Altogether, you’ll find 17 unique and pristine ponds here, from the petite Stink Pond to the namesake Deboullie Pond. These crystal clear waters are home to native brook trout, salmon, and the rare arctic char - making this incredible nature area a fisherman’s (and paddler’s) paradise!
Lewis Chase/Google
Andy Thrasher/Flickr
Red River Falls are the most well-known in the area, but you’ll find (and hear!) a few other cascades if you venture into the trees.
Chris Hoff/Flickr
While loons, eagles, and even lynx can be spotted here, this is also the heart of moose and black bear country. Be safe, respectful, prepared, and hyper-aware of your surroundings!
Chris Bennett/Getty Images
Remote backcountry living, 360-degrees of nature, perfect stargazing opportunities, and nary a soul in sight? That’s #campinggoals.
Lisa Thiel-Wood/AllTrails
Sven Schildt/Google
Jennifer/Flickr
Craving even more outdoor Maine goodness this season? Check out some of our favorite must-do hikes here.
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Address: Deboullie Mountain, Northwest Aroostook, ME 04739, USA
