Appalachian Trail
The Appalachian Trail Sanctuary, some 10,500 acres of land acquired between 2000 and 2011, extends along a 7-mile stretch of the 100-mile wilderness section of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. Located primarily in western Elliotsville Township, Maine, the sanctuary protects parts of the viewshed of Maine Audubon's Borestone Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary to the east.
The sanctuary encompasses a rich assortment of upland, wetland, and aquatic habitats with over 30 miles of brooks and streams, seven ponds larger than 8 acres in size, and numerous slate ridges and small hills. The forested glacial landscape and associated natural communities found within the sanctuary are characteristic of intermediate elevations in central Maine. Native brook trout, Canada lynx, and Vasey's rush, a critically imperiled grass in Maine, are significant features of the sanctuary's biodiversity.
There is also evidence of early settlement in Elliotsville Township, namely the remains of the town of Savage's Mills, established in 1824, and of the Old Monson-Greenville stage road on which the town was settled.
Appalachian Trail Sanctuary map
Directions to the Appalachian Trail Sanctuary (from the South)
- Take I-95 exit 185 (Broadway)
- Turn left on Route 15
- Follow Route 15 to Guilford
- Turn right on Route 150 north
- Go straight and cross bridge onto Norton Corner road (Route 150 will veer right at Goodell Corner)
- Stay on Elliotsville Road (Norton Corner Road will merge with Elliotsville Road)
or
- Take I-95 exit 185 (Broadway)
- Turn left on Route 15
- Follow Route 15 to Monson
- Walk the Appalachian Trail northeast just north of Monson