Trails: A 8.5 mile loop of challenging trails are located around the rim of a 400-foot deep gorge, sometimes referred to "The Grand Canyon of the East". A section of the Maine Appalachian Trail passes through the reserve. The reserve is a National Natural Landmark.
The Hermitage, another National Natural Landmark nearby managed by the Nature Conservancy, contains 35 acres of some of Maine's oldest white pines.
Caution: The Rim trail can be slippery and is very dangerous in winter. A stream must be forded at the beginning of the trail. Access fee: Yes Nearest town: Brownville, ME Trail map: Available at the trailhead Web site:Grafton Notch State Park | Nature Conservancy of Maine Points of interest: The gorge is about 4 miles long and features waterfalls, swimming holes and chutes. Katahdin Iron Works is the remains of a blast furnace and charcoal kiln dating from the late 1800s. Other activities: Ice climbing Lodging: Several resorts, sporting camps, etc are in the region Camping: Several campgrounds in the area Weather forecast:Greenville Tourism info:Moosehead Lake Region Chamber Getting to the trail: Take Route 11 north from Brownville to the junction for Katahdin Iron Works then follow the signs to the reserve. Map of local region:Brownville
Trail Name: Gulf Hagas Reserve I have hiked there: Several times I last hiked there in: July, 103 Trails that I hiked: My wife Mary and I, with our trusted canine Lexus, a very spunky yorkshire terrier, have hiked the entire loop trail...AWESOME!! We have also done the up and back, via pleasant river and road. We have swam in the pool of screw auger falls, several times, and made it back up that crazy cliffside back to the trail. I suggest you spend the extra dough and camp at KI. BEST CAMPSITE: High Bridge #2 (write that down) cause if its not available, #3 is good, and #1 is a tent site that is real sweet too. If your going to Hagas bring plenty of film/batteries. the wildlife is truly astonishing. The whole area of Hagas and KI (Katahdin ironworks)is managed by Northern Maine Woods, and the fees collected help support this wonderful Privatly owned land. This is a must see area, so plan appropriatly, as Maine weather can flux, and plan an at least several days to see and drive the miles of dirt logging roads and have lunch gazing at Maine moose!! Favorite trails: There is no bad trail. The trails are clearly marked and warnings are issued as to skill level, terrain, and directions. There is plenty of parking at all the trail heads, and because the area is access controlled (you must pass into the zillion acre space via check points) it is void of commercial vehicles, except for logging trucks, as this is a working maine forest. Best time to go: summer July and August is best for swimming in the pools and streams. There are several waterfalls to swim at and see. Trail marking: Very good Trail maintenance: Fair Rating: 5 stars What I liked: The Waterfalls...Spectacular..There are several, all have remembering names like Screw Auger, and Milk Falls. Hike the rim trail, and you will discover why this place is called THE GRAND CONYON of the east. Bring your fishin pole, and maybe you will catch trout for the evening meal. What I disliked: Please if your a beginner hiker or have little knowledge of the outdoors, stay on the marked trails, and remember the Appalachian trail enters the the Gulf Hagas trail system. All trails are color coded, and a map is sold for a buck at the check points. A lot of times out of staters buy them and put the maps in plastic bags and leave them at the camp sites. (all sites have picnic table and fire rings for campfires) Additional comments: ONLY experienced HIKERS should enter this area in the WINTER !!! The ice climbing of the falls is truly awesome, and in my opinion should be an olypic sport. I have watched friends whom are skilled crazy people do loony things, and this is one of them. So, adrenalin junkies of the world...this place was made for YOU !!!! Everyone should try and visit this area, and also nearby Greenville, Maine. It aint a visit without a trip to Greenville Maine. Submitted by: Jeffery Arsenault from: Sebago Lake, Maine Date submitted: June 1, 2005
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Trail Name: Gulf Hagas Reserve I have hiked there: Several times I last hiked there in: Oct, 104 Trails that I hiked: A.T. at Chairbak Bushwacked Favorite trails: Gulf Hagas Best time to go: late May till Early November Trail marking: Very good Trail maintenance: Very good Rating: 4.5 stars What I liked: It is a fun trail to hike especially in October when the leaves changed colors. Not for weak hikers good for hiking What I disliked: NOTHING Additional comments: The streams are cold be carefull near edges Submitted by: Paul H from: Eddington Me Date submitted: Feb 8, 2005
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Trail Name: Gulf Hagas Reserve I have hiked there: Once I last hiked there in: August, 2003 Trails that I hiked: Gulf Hagas Favorite trails: AT north of Crawford Pond to Katahdin Best time to go: Late July, August, early September Trail marking: Fair Trail maintenance: Fair Rating: 3 stars What I liked: The slot canyon is beautiful and the number of different waterfalls per square mile is good. The history of the use of the canyon is interesting. It is quite a rugged trail and that's what I liked best besides the beautiful scenery. What I disliked: It would be helpful if there were a few more signs with the names of the waterfalls at some of the view points. Comments: Conditions can be dangerous especially on rainy days and in the colder months. Not a good choice for young children. The river requires some fording in high water conditions. Submitted by: Fran Knoll AKA Llama Mama from: College Park, Maryland Date submitted: Aug 19, 2003
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Area name: Gulf Hagas Reserve I have hiked there: Several I last hiked there in: Nov, 2002 Trails that I hiked: Whitecap, Chairback, the Gulf, Hay Mt. Fourth, Saddleback Mt. Spruce Mt.(little & small) Favorite trails: Best time to go: Spring-fall Winter not recomended w/o proper ice climbing skills Trail marking: Very good Trail maintenance: Fair Rating: 2 stars What I liked: The rugged challenge. What I disliked: No scenery to speak of, water/trees Comments: Hiking in the Gulf/K.I. region in winter not recommended w/o training/skills for ice climbing. Buddy system only. Don't go alone. Submitted by: K.P. from: Brownville, Maine. Date submitted: Jan 5, 2003
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