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The Highlands
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Explore Maine’s Highlands for Katahdin hikes, Moosehead Lake, forest roads, wildlife, paddling and historic inland towns.

The Highlands is the broad inland region of Maine centred on the Maine Highlands tourism area, extending from the regional city of Bangor towards Moosehead Lake, the Piscataquis River country and Mount Katahdin. It is a landscape of working forests, cold rivers, expansive lakes and long, quiet roads rather than a single compact destination. Distances are substantial, and the character changes between urban Bangor, lakeside settlements such as Greenville, small market towns including Dover-Foxcroft and rural communities around Millinocket and the Katahdin area.
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Mount Katahdin provides the region’s defining geographical presence. Rising within Baxter State Park, it is the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail and the centrepiece of a vast protected landscape of ponds, boreal forest, alpine terrain and challenging hiking routes. Access to the park is carefully managed, with limited facilities and a strong emphasis on preparation and low-impact travel. Elsewhere, the Appalachian Trail, the 100-Mile Wilderness, Gulf Hagas and the Debsconeag Lakes Wilderness Area offer walking, paddling and wildlife-watching opportunities, though many routes are remote and conditions can change quickly.
Moosehead Lake, Maine’s largest lake, anchors a different part of the region. Greenville and Rockwood provide access to boating, fishing, scenic drives and trails around the lake, while Mount Kineo rises dramatically from its waters. The northern communities around Millinocket and East Millinocket retain strong connections with the forest-products industry and form an important base for exploring Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument. Rivers such as the Penobscot, Piscataquis and Kennebec support canoeing, rafting and fishing, while autumn brings intense colour to the hardwood forests.
Bangor offers the region’s most substantial concentration of museums, shops, restaurants and accommodation, together with practical transport links and cultural venues. Its historic downtown and waterfront reflect the wealth once generated by the timber trade, while the Maine Discovery Museum and the University of Maine at nearby Orono add educational and cultural interest. Smaller towns provide a slower rhythm, local diners, farm stands, sporting-outfitter shops and community events rather than a conventional resort infrastructure.
Food in the Highlands is shaped by Maine’s wider traditions of chowders, wild blueberries, maple products, craft beer and locally sourced meat, while lake communities add freshwater-fishing culture and outdoor provisions. Summer is suited to paddling, hiking and wildlife observation; autumn brings foliage and hunting seasons; winter opens opportunities for snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and ice fishing. Visitors should plan around weather, fuel distances, limited mobile coverage and the difference between a staffed town service and a remote trailhead.

When is the best time to visit The Highlands?

Best: June–August · 23–27°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January-461
February-256
March470
April1186
May1993
June (best)2395
July (best)27100
August (best)25100
September2090
October1580
November675
December065

Getting to and around The Highlands

How to get there

Bangor International Airport is the principal commercial air gateway serving the southern part of the Maine Highlands, with onward car travel required for most lake and mountain destinations. Portland International Jetport and airports in Boston, Massachusetts, are farther outside the region and may offer a broader choice of flights, but involve a longer road journey. Bangor is also connected to the wider New England road network, while visitors arriving by train generally use Amtrak services to Bangor’s nearest practical rail gateway at Brunswick or travel from Boston by road; the region itself has no extensive intercity passenger-rail network. A car is usually the most practical way to reach remote trailheads, lakes and small communities.

Transportation

Travel within the Highlands is chiefly by car, with sizeable distances between settlements and outdoor sites. Bangor has local bus services and taxi or rideshare availability, but public transport becomes limited in rural districts and is not a dependable substitute for a vehicle when visiting Moosehead Lake, Baxter State Park or remote trailheads. Main roads are generally straightforward, while forest roads may be gravel, poorly signed or subject to seasonal restrictions. Cycling is suitable on selected quieter roads but requires careful planning because of traffic, hills and limited services. Paddling, shuttle services and guided trips can help with river and lake excursions, but availability varies by season.

Top city travel guides in The Highlands

The cities of The Highlands, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Destinations in The Highlands

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Best attractions in The Highlands

The Highlands’ attractions are defined by scale and setting rather than by a dense chain of conventional sights. Baxter State Park provides the region’s most demanding mountain experiences, with Katahdin, alpine routes, ponds and forest trails, while the Appalachian Trail and the 100-Mile Wilderness draw experienced long-distance hikers. Gulf Hagas, often described as the Grand Canyon of Maine, offers a dramatic gorge and waterfall walk in the western interior. Moosehead Lake supports boating, fishing, paddling and wildlife excursions, with Mount Kineo adding a distinctive island-mountain destination. Around Millinocket, Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument offers river corridors, forest roads, camping and views towards Katahdin. Bangor contributes museums, historic streets, cultural venues and access to the Penobscot River, while smaller towns provide local heritage, outfitters and seasonal community events. Winter broadens the outdoor programme with snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, ice fishing and snowshoeing, though remote conditions demand more preparation than a conventional resort visit.

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Best landmarks in The Highlands

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Explore The Highlands on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top cities, national parks and sights are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in The Highlands

Dining in the Highlands ranges from Bangor restaurants and cafés to diners, pub kitchens, seasonal lakeside establishments and provisions bought for a remote camp. Maine’s wider culinary traditions are well represented through seafood, chowders, lobster where available, wild blueberries, maple products, baked goods and locally sourced meat, while inland communities also have a strong culture of hearty breakfasts and practical food for outdoor trips. Around Moosehead Lake and the Katahdin area, restaurants often reflect the needs of visitors heading onto the water or trails, and opening patterns may be seasonal. Farmers’ markets and farm stands can provide produce, preserves and baked items during the warmer months. Craft beer is widely available in the state, with Bangor offering the broadest choice of dining styles; in small towns, advance planning is sensible because evening options may be limited and distances between communities are considerable.

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Best bars in The Highlands

Nightlife in the Highlands is low-key and concentrated in Bangor, where the largest selection of pubs, breweries, live-music settings, restaurants and cultural events can be found. In smaller centres such as Greenville, Millinocket and Dover-Foxcroft, evenings generally revolve around traditional bars, taverns, restaurants and community venues rather than a large nightclub scene. Outdoor-oriented visitors often finish the day at a pub or lodge, particularly in lake and mountain communities, while seasonal events can bring additional music and social activity. Some accommodation providers and outfitters offer relaxed evening gatherings, but services may be spread out and closing times can vary. In rural areas, arranging a sober driver and checking transport options in advance is important, as taxis and rideshares are less dependable than in Bangor.

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Best nightclubs in The Highlands

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Best shops in The Highlands

Shopping in the Highlands is practical, locally focused and closely connected with outdoor life. Bangor has the region’s broadest retail choice, including independent shops, bookshops, galleries, cafés and general commercial areas, while market towns such as Dover-Foxcroft and Greenville offer smaller selections of gifts, provisions, antiques and locally made goods. Outdoor outfitters are important sources of clothing, maps, equipment and advice for hiking, paddling, fishing, hunting and snowmobiling. Farm stands and seasonal markets sell Maine produce, preserves, maple products, baked goods and wild-blueberry items, although availability follows the agricultural calendar. Craft purchases may include woodwork, pottery, textiles, artwork and photography inspired by the forest and lake landscape. Visitors should buy fuel, food and specialist supplies before heading into remote districts, where retail options are sparse and distances between shops can be considerable.

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The Highlands essentials

Currency and Payment
The currency is the United States dollar (USD), as throughout Maine and the United States. Cards and contactless payments are widely accepted in Bangor, larger towns, hotels, shops and established restaurants, although smaller rural businesses, camps, informal concessions and remote areas may have limited connectivity or prefer cash. Carry some US currency for fuel, tips, parking, local markets and unexpected stops, and do not assume that a remote trailhead or seasonal operator can process a card. Foreign visitors should tell their bank about travel plans and check any conversion or overseas-transaction charges.
Safety
The main risks are environmental and logistical rather than urban. Weather can change rapidly on Katahdin and in exposed upland areas, while hypothermia, dehydration, river conditions and navigation errors are serious concerns on remote routes. Black bears, moose and other wildlife should never be approached or fed, and food must be stored responsibly when camping. Drive cautiously on rural roads, watch for moose at dawn and dusk, and expect limited mobile coverage beyond towns. In winter, snow, ice and short daylight hours require suitable vehicles, clothing and route planning; check local conditions before setting out.
Emergency Situations
Call 911 throughout the Highlands for police, fire or ambulance emergencies. Give a clear location, road name, trail name, campsite or nearest landmark, as response times can be longer in remote country. On hikes, leave an itinerary with someone reliable and carry a map rather than relying solely on a phone. Baxter State Park has its own access rules, ranger arrangements and emergency procedures, so follow instructions from park staff. In serious backcountry incidents, rescue resources may need time to reach the site; do not undertake remote routes without adequate equipment and familiarity with the conditions.
Do's and Don'ts
Do respect private land, posted restrictions, hunting seasons and the special rules of Baxter State Park and other protected areas. Do yield appropriately on narrow roads, leave gates as you find them and pack out rubbish. Do not approach moose, bears or nesting birds, and never feed wildlife. At campsites and lakes, keep noise modest and protect water quality. Tipping is customary in full-service restaurants, bars and for many personal services in the United States, while local etiquette is generally informal and practical. Ask permission before photographing people, camps or private property, particularly in small communities.
Local Tips
Use Bangor as a practical supply and cultural base, but choose an additional base near the lake or mountain area rather than attempting every excursion as a day trip. Greenville is useful for exploring Moosehead Lake, while Millinocket serves the Katahdin and northern forest districts; neither should be treated as a substitute for checking exact road and trail access. Peak autumn foliage attracts heavy demand on weekends. Local outfitters can provide current information on water levels, paddling routes and seasonal hazards, while Maine’s visitor centres and park offices are valuable for maps and access advice.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloHowdy[Hau-dee]
GoodbyeSee ya[See yah]
YesYep[Yep]
NoNope[Nope]
Please/You’re welcomeSure thing[Shur thing]
Thank youThanks a lot[Thangs a lot]
Excuse me/SorryPardon me[Pardon mee]
How are you?How ya doin’?[Hau yah doin’?]
Fine. And you?Good. And you?[Good. And you?]
Do you speak English?Do ya speak English?[Doo yah speek English?]
I don't understandI don’t get it[I don’t get it]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseCan I see the menu?[Can I see the menu?]
I don't eat meatI’m a vegetarian[I’m a vege-tarian]
Cheers!Cheers![Cheers!]
I would like to pay, pleaseCan I get the check, please?[Can I get the check, pleez?]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Help![Help!]
Go away!Get lost![Get lost!]
Call the Police!Call the cops![Call the cops!]
Call a doctor!Get a doctor![Get a doctor!]
I'm lostI’m lost[I’m lost]
I'm illI’m sick[I’m sick]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...I wanna buy...[I wanna buy...]
I'm just lookingJust browsing[Just browsing]
How much is it?What’s the price?[What’s the price?]
That's too expensiveThat’s too pricey[That’s too pry-see]
Can you lower the price?Can ya make it cheaper?[Can ya make it cheaper?]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?What time is it?[What time is it?]
It's one o'clockIt’s one o’clock[It’s one o’clock]
Half past (10)Half past ten[Half past ten]
MorningMorning[Morning]
AfternoonAfternoon[Afternoon]
EveningEvening[Evening]
YesterdayYesterday[Yesterday]
TodayToday[Today]
TomorrowTomorrow[Tomorrow]
1One[One]
2Two[Two]
3Three[Three]
4Four[Four]
5Five[Five]
6Six[Six]
7Seven[Seven]
8Eight[Eight]
9Nine[Nine]
10Ten[Ten]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Where’s the...?[Where’s the...?]
What's the address?What’s the address?[What’s the address?]
Can you show me (on the map)?Can ya show me on the map?[Can ya show me on the map?]
When's the next (bus)?When’s the next bus?[When’s the next bus?]
A ticket (to ....)A ticket to...[A ticket to...]

History of The Highlands

Wabanaki Homelands and River Travel

The Highlands lies within the traditional homelands of the Wabanaki peoples, including the Penobscot, Maliseet and Abenaki cultural worlds. Rivers and lakes formed essential travel routes, while hunting, fishing, gathering and seasonal settlement shaped knowledge of the forest long before European colonisation. The Penobscot River and its tributaries remain central to the region’s identity. Visitors encounter this living Indigenous history through the continued presence of Wabanaki communities and cultural work across Maine, although much of the region’s public historical interpretation has traditionally underrepresented Indigenous perspectives.

Colonial Trade and the Inland Fur Economy

European settlement expanded inland gradually from the coast and larger rivers. Trading posts, military movement and the fur trade connected the interior to coastal Maine and New England markets, while Indigenous communities faced disease, land pressure and political disruption. The Penobscot watershed became an important route into the forests and lakes north of Bangor. Towns were initially small and scattered, and travel depended heavily on waterways, portages and rough roads rather than the extensive road network used today.

Bangor and the Rise of the Timber Trade

During the nineteenth century, Bangor became one of North America’s leading lumber ports because timber from the inland forests could be floated down the Penobscot River. Logging camps, river drives and sawmills transformed the economy of the Highlands, while merchants and shipbuilders in Bangor profited from the movement of timber. The wealth of this period is still visible in Bangor’s nineteenth-century architecture. Further north, towns such as Millinocket and East Millinocket developed around mills and the transport systems required to move wood and finished products.

Railways, Mills and Industrial Communities

Railway construction in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries changed access to the interior, linking forest settlements and mill towns with Bangor and wider markets. The arrival of the Bangor and Aroostook Railroad helped strengthen communities around northern Maine’s timber economy, while rail access also supported tourism to lakes and wilderness areas. Paper manufacturing became especially important in Millinocket and East Millinocket. The industry provided employment and civic investment for generations, although mill closures and restructuring later brought profound economic change.

Katahdin, Conservation and the Appalachian Trail

Mount Katahdin attracted explorers, writers and mountaineers during the nineteenth century and gradually became a symbol of Maine’s inland wilderness. Percival P. Baxter’s land donations helped establish Baxter State Park, which opened a large protected landscape around the mountain and remains distinct from Maine’s state park system in its approach to access and development. Katahdin is also the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail, giving the region a lasting place in American long-distance hiking culture and conservation history.

From Forest Industry to Outdoor Economy

The late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries brought a shift from an economy dominated by logging and paper towards a more varied combination of forestry, tourism, recreation, education and small business. Moosehead Lake, the Katahdin area, the Appalachian Trail and public conservation lands now attract hikers, paddlers, anglers, hunters, snowmobilers and wildlife observers. This transition has not erased the working-forest culture: forestry remains important, and debates about conservation, access, local employment and sustainable tourism continue to shape the Highlands.

The Highlands in Photos

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Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to The Highlands

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  • Local tips and travel essentials for The Highlands
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Embark on an unforgettable journey to The Highlands, Maine with Evendo, your indispensable travel companion. Whether you're planning to hike the majestic trails of Mount Katahdin, explore the vast wilderness of Baxter State Park, or immerse yourself in the rich history at the Northern Maine Museum of Science, Evendo has you covered. Delight your taste buds at the local favorite Pat’s Pizza or savor the fresh seafood at The River Drivers Restaurant.

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