Three Ponds and a Summit
Borestone Mountain Audubon Sanctuary covers 1,639 acres in the hills south of Moosehead Lake, centered on a mountain whose twin peaks rise above three crystalline alpine ponds. The sanctuary is managed by Maine Audubon and offers one of the most rewarding day hikes in central Maine: a 4.2-mile round trip that climbs from a forest road through old-growth spruce to a staffed visitor center on Sunrise Pond, then continues steeply to a summit with panoramic views of the surrounding lake-and-mountain wilderness.
Borestone Mountain reaches 1,981 feet at its West Peak, which does not sound especially tall until you stand on the exposed granite summit and realize that nearly everything visible in every direction is forest, lake, and sky. The Moosehead region is one of the most sparsely populated landscapes in the eastern United States, and the view from Borestone captures that emptiness perfectly.
The three ponds, Sunrise, Midday, and Sunset, sit in a glacially carved basin between the mountain’s ridges. The ponds are cold, clear, and still, reflecting the surrounding spruce and granite. The visitor center occupies a historic lodge on the shore of Sunrise Pond and houses natural history exhibits, a nature store, and staff naturalists who lead programs throughout the summer.
The Hike
The hike to the summit is approximately 4.2 miles round trip with about 1,600 feet of total elevation gain. It breaks naturally into two sections.
Base Trail (1.1 miles)
The Base Trail begins at the parking area on Bodfish Valley Road and follows an old road uphill through mixed forest for 1.1 miles to the Visitor Center on Sunrise Pond. This section gains about 600 feet and is moderate in grade, manageable for most hikers. The road surface is rough but wide.
At the Visitor Center, you pay the admission fee (if not a Maine Audubon member), get oriented, and can explore exhibits before continuing uphill.
Summit Trail (1.0 mile)
The Summit Trail departs from the Visitor Center and follows the shore of Sunrise Pond before climbing steeply through spruce and fir forest to the West Peak. The upper section includes 130 stone steps and two steel handholds at the steepest points. The final approach crosses exposed granite ledge to the open summit.
Take the Summit Trail at a steady pace and stop at the ponds. The view across Sunrise Pond from the trail is one of the most photographed scenes in central Maine. The reflection of Borestone’s summit in the still water of the pond is remarkable in early morning or late afternoon light.
Peregrine Trail (0.4 miles)
The Peregrine Trail offers an alternative descent from the summit area, navigating gradually above a series of cliffs that overlook the three ponds. The trail reconnects with the Summit Trail near the Visitor Center. The views from the Peregrine Trail are different from the summit and worth the detour.
The upper section of the Summit Trail is steep with exposed rock. The stone steps can be slippery when wet. Proper hiking boots with good traction are essential. The steel handholds on the steepest section indicate the seriousness of the terrain. This is not a trail for flip-flops or smooth-soled shoes.
The Visitor Center
The Visitor Center on Sunrise Pond is staffed by Maine Audubon naturalists during the open season (typically late spring through mid-October, Tuesdays through Sundays). The center offers natural history exhibits, skull and scat identification stations, a nature store with field guides and souvenirs, and information about the sanctuary’s ecology and history.
Staff naturalists lead guided hikes, bird walks, and interpretive programs throughout the summer. Check the Maine Audubon website for the current schedule.
The Visitor Center closes for the season in mid-October. During the off-season, the trails remain accessible but unstaffed, and no fee is collected.
Wildlife
The sanctuary’s combination of boreal forest, alpine ponds, cliff faces, and exposed summit creates diverse habitat.
Peregrine falcons have nested on Borestone’s cliffs. The Peregrine Trail is named for them. If peregrines are actively nesting, portions of the trail may be closed to protect the nest. Check with the Visitor Center for current status.
Loons nest on the ponds and their calls echo off the surrounding ridges. Red-tailed hawks and broad-winged hawks soar above the summit on thermals. Spruce grouse, boreal chickadees, and dark-eyed juncos inhabit the upper forest.
Moose, black bear, and white-tailed deer are present in the sanctuary but the steep terrain and human traffic on the trail make sightings less frequent than at lower-elevation sites. The ponds support brook trout, though fishing is not permitted.
Borestone Mountain is one of the peaks in the Moosehead Pinnacle Pursuit, a hiking challenge that encourages visitors to summit several mountains in the Moosehead region. If you are collecting pinnacles, Borestone is one of the more rewarding climbs on the list. Details are available at the Greenville visitor center.
When to Go
Spring
Trails are muddy and icy into May. The Visitor Center opens in late spring. Black flies arrive in late May.
Summer
Visitor Center staffed. Warmest weather for comfortable hiking. Loons on the ponds. Wildflowers in the forest. July and August are peak.
Fall
Foliage peaks in late September. The summit view during fall color is spectacular. Cool, clear air makes for the best visibility.
Winter
Trails are accessible for experienced winter hikers. Snowshoes or microspikes required. No staffing or fee collection. Remote and cold.
Fall foliage from the summit of Borestone is among the best views in central Maine. The combination of ponds, boreal forest, and distant mountains creates a panorama of color that peaks in late September.
Practical Notes
The sanctuary is reached via Bodfish Valley Road off Route 6/15 in Elliotsville Township, about 10 miles north of Monson. The access road is unpaved and narrow. A private landowner charges a $5 vehicle fee at a gate near the beginning of the access road; this is separate from the Maine Audubon admission fee at the Visitor Center.
Dogs are not permitted anywhere in Borestone Mountain Audubon Sanctuary. This policy protects wildlife habitat and the experience of other visitors. Leave your dog at home or make other arrangements.
The nearest services are in Monson (general store, gas) or Greenville (full services including restaurants, lodging, and groceries). Cell service is nonexistent at the sanctuary and limited along the access road. Download maps and directions before leaving town.
Packing List
Borestone Mountain Hike
- Sturdy hiking boots with good traction (steep, rocky trail)
- Water (at least 1 liter per person)
- Snacks or lunch (eat at the ponds for the best experience)
- Rain jacket and warm layer (exposed summit, weather can change)
- Camera (the pond reflections and summit views are outstanding)
- Binoculars
- Cash for access road toll and Visitor Center admission
- Bug spray (black flies and mosquitoes May through July)
Getting There
From Greenville, take Route 6/15 south toward Monson. After about 10 miles, turn right onto Bodfish Valley Road (also called Mountain Road). Follow the unpaved road to the sanctuary parking area. From Bangor, take I-95 north to Exit 157 (Guilford), then Route 15 north through Guilford to Monson and on to the Bodfish Valley Road turnoff. The drive from Bangor is about 1 hour 45 minutes. From Portland, allow about 3.5 hours.
FAQ
How hard is the hike up Borestone Mountain?
The hike is moderate to the Visitor Center and strenuous from there to the summit. The total round trip is about 4.2 miles with 1,600 feet of elevation gain. The upper section has stone steps and steel handholds. Plan 3 to 4 hours for the round trip.
Are dogs allowed?
No. Dogs are not permitted anywhere in the sanctuary. This is a strict policy to protect wildlife.
Is there a fee?
Yes. A private landowner charges $5 per vehicle at a gate on the access road. Maine Audubon charges $5 for nonmember adults and $3 for nonmember students and seniors at the Visitor Center. Maine Audubon members and children under 6 are free.
What are the three ponds?
Sunrise Pond, Midday Pond, and Sunset Pond sit in a glacial basin between the mountain's ridges. The Visitor Center is on the shore of Sunrise Pond.
Can I visit in winter?
Yes. The trails are open year-round, though the Visitor Center is closed from mid-October through late spring. Winter hiking requires snowshoes or microspikes and winter preparedness. There is no fee during the off-season.
