Natural Wonder at all Ages
Explore : Rail Trails
" Rail trails " are abandoned railroad beds that have been converted to multi-use recreational paths . They tend to be smooth and flat , making them great for biking , walking , snowshoeing , and cross country skiing . Some trails also allow ATVs and snowmobiles — always be cautious and look out for other trail users !
The glacier-formed landscape around Mount Katahdin is rich with spots for families to explore together , from swimming holes and waterfalls to ice caves and ice cream !
ON THE WAY Start your weekend early with a trip to the Maine Discovery Museum in Bangor . Kids will love the hands-on activities and exhibits . Enjoy dinner al fresco at one of downtown Bangor ’ s local eateries .
DAY 1 Pack up and head into the wilderness of the Great North Woods . Pitch your tent under the trees at one of the many local family campgrounds or rent a lakeside cabin ( or “ camp ” as Mainers call these rustic cottages ). Some campgrounds and resorts will even cook you dinner .
DAY 2 The Ice Caves Trail is a great hike for families . Take a left off of the Golden Road just after Abol Bridge , keep left at the fork , and after four miles , look for a blue-blazed trail . The hike is easy : just 1-mile through tall pines , moss and ferns to the Debsconeag ice caves . Feel the air get colder as you climb down through the glacial boulders ! Younger kids will need some help on the ladders and ice . Explore the large and small caverns , which are frosty and covered in icicles even in the middle of summer .
After lunch , splash your way into the Penobscot River . Rent tubes and life jackets from Abol Bridge Campground and take a shuttle upstream to the start of a leisurely 3-hour float down the river . This river is home to some of the country ’ s most technical white water rapids , but for this stretch , kick back and relax as you float along with spectacular views of Mount Katahdin .
DAY 3 Pack a picnic and your bathing suit for a day trip to Shin Brook Falls , about an hour north of Millinocket . This is a short but steep hike ; younger kids will need help descending to the falls . The cascading falls and swimming holes are worth the effort and all ages will enjoy splashing and swimming for hours .
WANT MORE EXCITEMENT ? Several whitewater rafting companies in the Millinocket area offer trips for families with children as young as 8 , usually including lunch and time to play and swim as well as an exciting — but safe — trip over Class I – III rapids .
SHERMAN TO PATTEN TRAIL : An offshoot of the main Bangor and Aroostook Railroad 4.5 mile trail covered in crushed stone and gravel . Open for hiking , biking , ATVs , horseback riding , snowmobiling , cross country skiing , and snowshoeing . Snowmobile and ATV riders will enjoy exploring a number of side trails . The wetlands adjacent to the trail make for an excellent place to see wildlife , especially birds .
MICHAEL MICHAUD WALKING AND BIKING TRAIL : Runs along the Millinocket extension of the Bangor & Aroostook Railroad A 1.65 mile loop trail that follows Millinocket Stream . Paved with asphalt and open to hiking , biking , in-line skating , cross country skiing , and snowshoeing . Wheelchair accessible .
LAGRANGE RAIL-TRAIL : Runs between Lagrange and Medford along the Bangor & Aroostook Railway 11.5 miles of crushed stone and dirt . Ponds and bogs along the way are attractions for wildlife . Open to hiking , biking , ATVs , horseback riding , snowmobiling , cross country skiing , and snowshoeing .
WALDEN-PARKE TRAIL : Part of the Walden-Parke Preserve in Bangor Network of 5.2 miles of wide trail offers gentle ups and downs . It passes through areas of ongoing beaver activity and includes parts of the old Veazie Railroad bed .
FOUR SEASONS ADVENTURE TRAIL : Also known as the Newport / Dover-Foxcroft Rail-Trail 26 miles that runs between Newport and Dover-Foxcroft and links two rivers and three lakes . Surfaced with crushed stone , dirt , and sand . Open to hikers , bikers , ATVs , horseback riding , snowmobiling , dogsledding , cross country skiing , and snowshoeing .
For more information on rail trails in our region and beyond , visit railstotrails . org .
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