If you’ve been a reader for a long time, you’ll know how much we love the outdoors and nature. You might have even noticed how much we love history. Lucky for us Maine is full of it! From old houses to abandoned islands, those who love experiencing the past will find plenty to do here in Vacationland. And, if you’re willing to venture to The County you’ll even find a way to combine your love of both Maine nature and history.

You might hear a lot of people in Maine refer to “The County” as being in the middle of nowhere. And, let’s be honest, they’re mostly right.

Google Maps But that doesn’t mean it’s not worth a visit. In fact, Aroostook County (as it’s called officially) is one of the most beautifully wooded regions in the state.

It just might take you a few hours (or days) to get there!

But, if you’re up for the adventure, The County is the only place in Maine where you’ll find an old-growth forest like this one.

laurashabott / TripAdvisor

Located on the eastern shore of Eagle Lake, just opposite the southeast end of Pillsbury Island, is the Eagle Lake Old-Growth Forest Area.

wallyg / Flickr

Elvis had a great time hanging out in the Cathedral of the Pines in northern Wisconsin with a couple of buddies. A long trek in the woods highlighted by some photography made for a fine morning.

elviskennedy / Flickr

The forest here is 100-acres and the trees are the oldest you can find in Maine.

nicholas_t / Flickr

Towering more than 130 feet into the sky and with trunks that measure 3 feet around, these tree are truly spectacular.

kirt_edblom / Flickr The beauty of this area is unparalleled. In fact, author Henry David Thoreau took his canoe across the lake to reach Pillsbury Island. Given that these trees have been growing since the 1700s, it’s fun to imagine him marveling at the them just like we did.

About six miles down the lake is “Ziegler Site.” While smaller, this old-growth area is comprised of white pine covering about eight acres.

nicholas_t / Flickr

Just beneath these giant pines are sugar maples dating back approximately 180 years!

nicholas_t / Flickr Sure, there’s plenty to do in southern Maine. But given how rare forests like this can be, a visit to The County should be on your list.

Eagle Lake Old-Growth Forest Area might not have an actual address, but we if you’d like to find it just set your GPS for the Overlook Motel. Their address: 3232 Aroostook Road, Eagle Lake, ME 04739. And, to learn more about old-growth forest check out maine.gov. Their site has plenty of useful information for those wanting to understand more.

Google Maps

But that doesn’t mean it’s not worth a visit. In fact, Aroostook County (as it’s called officially) is one of the most beautifully wooded regions in the state.

It just might take you a few hours (or days) to get there!

laurashabott / TripAdvisor

wallyg / Flickr

elviskennedy / Flickr

nicholas_t / Flickr

kirt_edblom / Flickr

The beauty of this area is unparalleled. In fact, author Henry David Thoreau took his canoe across the lake to reach Pillsbury Island. Given that these trees have been growing since the 1700s, it’s fun to imagine him marveling at the them just like we did.

Sure, there’s plenty to do in southern Maine. But given how rare forests like this can be, a visit to The County should be on your list.

If you’re craving more Maine history, check out this article that lists 11 must-visit historical monuments in the state.

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