Debsconeag Backcountry Trail Loop

Dogs Off-leash

Features Fall Colors · Fishing · Lake · River/Creek · Swimming · Views · Wildlife

Visitors arriving via Maine Route 11 out of Brownville Junction or Millinocket and the private Jo-Mary Rd. must pay day-use fees at the Jo-Mary Gate between April and November. Take care traveling along area logging roads, pulling over and stopping for trucks regardless of which direction they're headed. Do not block roads. Gravel roads are hard on tires (and suspension systems): travel slowly and carry a spare tire.

This 16.8-mile, well maintained, figure-eight loop passes through an 11,000-acre ecological reserve in the northeast corner of the Nahmakanta Public Reserved Land. The trip can be done as a long day hike or an overnight backpack. From the trailhead at Fourth Debsconeag Lake, the trail weaves through the woods and along low ridges past Stink Pond and Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, and Eighth Debsconeag ponds, all good spots to see moose. A 2-mile stretch along the shore of pristine Nahmakanta Lake yields fine views of Nesuntabunt Mountain. Other hiking options nearby include the 9-mile Turtle Ridge Loop, the 30-mile Great Circle loop Trail and the Tumbledown Dick Trail, which has two backcountry tent sites along its 5-mile route. From the hand-carry boat launch at the south end of Nahmakanta Lake, paddle to one of several remote beach campsites. During my visit there were two canoe and a rowboat, without paddles, for public use. I would recommend this trail to family and friends.