Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Located in northern Maine near the international border with Canada, the Senator George J. Mitchell Preserve protects approximately 6,000 acres of forest, wetlands, rivers, and lakes. The preserve is named for Senator George J. Mitchell, who helped secure conservation funding for this important tract of land within the North Woods. The landscape is dominated by mixed hardwood and conifer forests, alongside productive wetlands that serve as critical habitat for moose, black bear, loons, and other wildlife. Several rivers and streams running through the preserve support native brook trout populations and offer scenic paddling routes. The area provides visitors with a quiet, remote wilderness experience, featuring over 15 miles of low-impact trails that wind through old-growth forest and along waterways. Established to conserve important wildlife habitat and maintain water quality, the preserve is an important corridor connecting larger protected areas in northern Maine. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking, birdwatching, fishing, and canoeing, with an emphasis on low-impact recreation. The preserve also supports research on wildlife ecology and forest management. From tranquil forest trails to canoe trips on glacially scoured lakes, the Senator George J. Mitchell Preserve offers an authentic northern forest experience with opportunities to encounter moose, beavers, and diverse bird species. The preserve appeals to visitors seeking solitude and natural beauty in a relatively undeveloped setting within Maine’s rugged North Woods.
