Coming from Europe to Maine, wanting to know where to camp/hike

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4570

Joined
Jun 2, 2008
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Hi,

I'm starting to plan a stay in Maine and I'd like to spend a week or so in the wilderness. I never planed a camping trip before and only did some hiking without planing anything, so I don't really know how to find the best places and information about them. I eventually found Maine gov's "reserved land" site here: http://www.maine.gov/doc/parks/programs/db_search/index.html
Is anyone here familiar with the parks/reserves listed in Aroostook and Katahdin? Do you have some parks/reserves to suggest with trails that could last me five days to a week to complete? I'd like to be able to open carry on the trails, discharge my firearm and practice building fires.
 
i am not from maine, so i cant give you any local tips, but welcome to the usa, all of the state and national park systems have trails and camp grounds, so you should not have too much trouble finding a good place to camp. some of the forum members are from maine and will give you detailed info, again have a great time.

alex
 
I'd suggest you research the area around Jackman, there are some very remote places near there. When you arrive in Maine, an invaluable resource is the DeLorme "Maine Atlas and Gazeteer", available in almost any store. It has detailed maps of the entire state down to the smallest goat path, and descriptions of campgrounds (both primitive and modern), natural and historic attractions, hiking trails, boat launches, etc.. You can carry openly state-wide other than in parks. Be aware though, that carrying a firearm afield is prima facie evidence of hunting, which gives a game warden probable cause to stop and question you. Aslo, you will need a fire permit, contact any Maine State Forestry office.

Edited to ad: One part of carrying in Maine that can get you in trouble is that it is illegal to transport an assembled firearm in a vehicle on an unpaved road in an unorganized township on a Sunday. It is also illegal to transport any loaded firearm in a vehicle, with the exception of handguns in the posession of concealed weapons permit holders.
 
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Good info about the Maine Atlas! I think I'll order it from Amazon now. As for the fire permit, is it necessary everywhere including private properties?
 
4570 said:
As for the fire permit, is it necessary everywhere including private properties?
Click to expand...

I think that depends on circumstances. For example, a campfire on private property may not require a permit, whereas a bonfire would. Also, some paper companies with large holdings have a permit system of their own. I would acquire the state permit in any case, since they are free.
 
Welcome to Maine. +1 on the Gazeteer. You may also want to check out http://www.northmainewoods.org/. They are a land management company that controls a huge area of lakes, logging roads, trails, etc. There's a nice map on their site that gives locations of campgrounds, etc. They charge fees for land/road use, but it usually figures out to around $20 US per person per night/day. The campgrounds are well maintained with privies, picnic tables and fire rings (the map indicates which sites require fire permits). Given this, the campgrounds are well-spaced and you still get a pretty good "remote wilderness" experience. If you will have access to a canoe, it will open up many more areas. Enjoy your time here.

Jon
 
Check out the Baxter State Park's website for all the camping and trail info for the Katahdin area. If you have some extra time vist Mount Desert Island for a great variety of scenery and some excellent day hikes as well.

Jeff
 
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