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🦉 Discover the Maine Highlands: 13 Top Birding Trails for Birdwatching Enthusiasts

  • Writer: Gerry Caron
    Gerry Caron
  • 3 hours ago
  • 5 min read

A bird sitting on a pine branch along a birding trail in the Maine Highlands

Discover the Maine Highlands: 13 Top Birding Trails for Birdwatching Enthusiasts

If you're searching for the best birdwatching in Maine, look no further than the breathtaking trails of the Maine Highlands. This region is a paradise for birders, offering diverse habitats including peat bogs, wetlands, mountain ridges, and quiet forests — all teeming with vibrant birdlife. Whether you're hoping to spot a Peregrine Falcon at Borestone Mountain, the haunting call of a Common Loon on Moosehead Lake, or the elusive Bicknell's Thrush on Big Moose Mountain, these 13 top birding trails for birdwatching enthusiasts promise memorable sightings and unforgettable Maine wilderness experiences.


🦅 Top 13 Birding Trails in the Maine Highlands


1. Fields Pond Audubon Center – Holden, ME

Spanning 229 acres, Fields Pond Audubon Center boasts a mosaic of habitats, including fields, wetlands, forests, and lakeshores. Birders can spot Eastern Bluebirds, Bobolinks, Savannah Sparrows, and a variety of warblers and woodpeckers. The center offers year-round programs led by naturalists, making it a hub for environmental education.​


2. Bangor City Forest & Orono Bog Boardwalk – Bangor, ME

This 680-acre forest features nine miles of trails and the 4,200-foot Orono Bog Boardwalk, guiding visitors through diverse ecosystems. The area is renowned for sightings of Lincoln’s Sparrows, Palm Warblers, and other woodland birds amidst unique bog flora.​


3. Newman Hill Preserve (Taylor Bait Farm) – Old Town, ME

Known locally as Taylor Bait Farm, this preserve's shallow ponds attract waterfowl in spring and shorebirds in fall.Birders may encounter American Bitterns, Hooded Mergansers, and Green-winged Teals.​


4. Leonard’s Mills – Bradley, ME

Situated within the Penobscot Experimental Forest, Leonard’s Mills offers a mix of habitats along its mile-long access road. In May and June, the area is vibrant with warblers, including Chestnut-sided Warblers and American Redstarts.​mainebirdingtrail.com


5. Sunkhaze Meadows National Wildlife Refuge – Milford, ME

Encompassing raised peat domes, grassy wetlands, and floodplain forests, Sunkhaze Meadows is a haven for diverse bird species. Birders can spot Hooded Mergansers, Wood Ducks, and Cape May Warblers along its trails


6. Borestone Mountain Audubon Sanctuary – Elliotsville, ME

This 1,981-foot peak within a Maine Audubon sanctuary offers trails through mature hardwoods, home to Scarlet Tanagers, Blackburnian Warblers, and Northern Parulas. The summit provides panoramic views, rewarding hikers and birders alike.​mainebirdingtrail.com+1


7. Moosehead Lake Region – Greenville, ME

Surrounded by accessible private forestland, Moosehead Lake is prime for spotting boreal species. Birders often encounter Common Loons, Bald Eagles, and Black-backed Woodpeckers. Moose sightings are also common along the roadside.​


8. Big Moose Mountain – Greenville Junction, ME

Rising to 3,150 feet, Big Moose Mountain offers a challenging hike through diverse habitats. Birders may spot Scarlet Tanagers, Spruce Grouse, and the elusive Bicknell’s Thrush near the summit.​


9. Lily Bay State Park – Beaver Cove, ME

Located along Moosehead Lake's shores, Lily Bay State Park is a hotspot for Pine Warblers and other songbirds. The park's trails meander through white pines, offering serene birdwatching experiences.​


10. Kokadjo – Northeast of Greenville, ME

This quaint community is a birding paradise, home to Barn, Tree, and Cliff Swallows. Local feeders attract finches, sparrows, and other seed-loving birds, providing close-up viewing opportunities.


11. Demonstration Forest – Brownville, ME

Managed by the Piscataquis County Soil & Water Conservation District, this forest offers diverse habitats supporting Ruffed Grouse and other woodland birds. Trails are suitable for year-round exploration.​


12. Baxter State Park – Millinocket, ME

Encompassing 209,000 acres, Baxter State Park offers over 200 miles of trails through varied habitats. Birders can encounter a range of species, from warblers in the forests to raptors soaring above.​


13. North Maine Woods – Northwest of Moosehead Lake, ME

Spanning 3.5 million acres, the North Maine Woods is a vast expanse of boreal forests. Birders venturing here may spot Boreal Chickadees, Black-backed Woodpeckers, and other northern species.​


🐦 Perfect for:

  • Maine birdwatching vacations

  • Birding trails near Greenville, Maine

  • Nature photography in the Maine Highlands

  • Wildlife watching in northern New England


🧭 Plan Your Maine Birdwatching Adventure

The Maine Highlands is a birdwatcher’s dream! Whether you're a seasoned birder or an adventurous beginner, this region promises countless opportunities for rare and exciting sightings. So pack your binoculars, field guide, and hiking boots — and immerse yourself in the beauty of Maine’s wild places.


💡 Visitor Info

Greater Bangor Convention and Visitors Bureau

📍 Address: 40 Harlow Street, Bangor, ME 04401

📞 Phone: (207) 947-5205 / (800) 91-MOOSE

🌐 Website: Visit Bangor Maine


What to Do in Moosehead Lake Region

Want more information? Check out our Moosehead News for the latest updates on seasonal events, local news, and detailed guides to make the most of your visit to the Moosehead Lake region.

  • ATV/Snowmobile:: Explore thousands of miles of pristine wilderness.

  • Boating/Canoeing/Kayaking: Explore the lake's serene waters.

  • Camping/Swimming: Find the best campsites for a wilderness retreat.

  • Fishing/Hunting: Discover prime fishing spots.

  • Hiking/Biking: Explore the wilderness.

  • Skiing/Sledding/Snowboarding/Snowshoeing: Miles of cross-country ski trails for those seeking a quieter adventure. Ski and snowboard rentals, plus lessons for beginners.

  • Local Attractions/Sightseeing: Learn about must-see sights in the region.


  • Stay updated with the latest happenings and news in the Moosehead Lake region. Learn more about what to do and where to go in the Moosehead Lake area and beyond.


Perfect Accommodation for Your Visit

Look no further for the perfect accommodation during your visit to the Monson, Shirley, Greenville, Rockwood, and Jackman areas of Maine. Moose River Lookout offers an idyllic retreat nestled along the serene Moose River at the base of the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains in Rockwood.


Ultimate Outdoor Getaway

With direct backyard access to Maine's Interconnected Trail System (ITS66) and a private dock on the river, adventure awaits right outside your door. Whether you're into hiking, golfing, boating, fishing, hunting, skiing, or snowmobiling, you'll find it all just steps away from our doorstep.


Book Your Stay

Experience the ultimate outdoor getaway in the heart of Maine's natural beauty. For inquiries or to make a reservation, please don't hesitate to contact us. We look forward to welcoming you to Moose River Lookout our Rockwood Moose River cabin!


Looking at a moose at the top of Mt Kineo from Moose River










Plan Your Birding Adventure!!

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