Overview

Amherst Mountains Community Forest is a 4,974 acre Public Lands parcel with recreation trails and ecologically important forestland surrounding six

ponds in the town of Amherst. Wildlife, including peregrine falcons, brook trout, deer, bear, partridge, and woodcock, thrive here; and thousands of migratory birds arrive each spring to nest on these lands. Secluded remote pond camping, hiking, snowmobiling, and ATVing are available here. Forest management on the property is practiced in partnership with the Town of Amherst. The Bureau’s forest practices are third-party certified by two independent standards: the Forest Stewardship Council® and the Sustainable Forestry Initiative®.

Downeast & Acadia Region

DirectionsAmherst Mountains Community Forest is located off of Route 9 (Airline Rd.) east of Bangor and just west of Amherst and Route 181/Mariaville Rd. Look for the Public Lands sign where the Ducktail Pond Rd. (AKA: 22-00-0 Rd.) meets Route 9. The three trailheads may be accessed from this south entry. Bald Bluff Trailhead may also be accessed from the north off the 22-00-0 Rd.

ContactsMaine Bureau of Parks and LandsEastern Region Public Lands Office106 Hogan Rd., Suite 5Bangor, ME 04401207-941-4412www.maine.gov/dacf/publiclandswww.maine.gov/amherst

Travel InformationRegion: www.downeastacadia.comMaine: www.visitmaine.com

Services & Facilities• Two campsites, each with fire ring, picnic table and privy.

• Ducktail Pond: Lat 44.858632, Lon -68.399116

• Partridge Pond: Lat 44.859174, Lon -68.400307

• Brook trout fishery - special rules apply.

• 4.8 miles of hiking trails include the:

• Loop offered by the Bald Bluff Trail, and

• Trails to both Partridge and Ducktail Ponds

• Shared-use roads open to ATV and bicycle riders.

2019

guide & map

Amherst Mountains Community

Forest

Backcountry fishing, camping,

and hiking close to Bangor.

www.parksandlands.com

Lat 44.826707, Lon -68.392087

www.MaineTrail Finder.com Get Map at www.avenzamaps.com

When to VisitAmherst Mountains Community Forest is open year-round. Be prepared for changing conditions and take extra care during the winter months. www.maine.gov/amherst

Spring Birdwatchers keep a lookout for the arrival of migratory birds.

Summer Anglers fish for brook trout. Special rules apply.Visit www.maine.gov/ifw for fishing license and season information. Hikers enjoy the views to Acadia afforded at several of the overlooks. ATV and bicycle riders make use of the shared-use Ducktail Pond Road/22-00-0 Rd.

Autumn Fall foliage can be viewed from the water or trail. Typical view time is mid-September through first week in October. For foliage reports visit: MaineFoliage.com Wear blaze orange during hunting season.

Winter Snowmobile riders pass through along Ducktail Road/22-00-0 Rd. when it is not plowed.

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Fires Kindle fires only in authorized campsites with fire rings. Do not cut live vegetation. www.maine.gov/forestpests

Pets Pets in campsites must be leashed and attended; outside of campsites, pets must be under control.

Trash Carry out all trash.

Fishing All those fishing must have a valid license and review the State’s open water fishing regulations. Anglers are asked to use lead-free sinkers and jigs to prevent metal poisoning of loons, eagles and other wildlife. www.maine.gov/ifw/

Hunting Although hunting is allowed in season, do not discharge weapons within 300 feet of any picnic, camping, or parking area, marked hiking trail or other developed area. Hunting license and season information is available at www.maine.gov/ifw/

Limit of Stay

Campers may not exceed a 14-day stay in a 45-day period

Power Equipment

Use no chainsaws, generators or other power equipment around campsites.

Abandoned Property

BPL staff may take custody of any personal property left unattended for more than 3 days (unless advance written permission is given).

Visitor Rules

recreational trails program This brochure was made possible in part by funding assistance through the Federal Highway Administration’s Recreational Trails Program (RTP), administered by the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands.

Partners and SupportersThe State of Maine’s Bureau of Parks and Lands purchased Amherst Mts. Community Forest in 2009, with help and funding from the: • Forest Legacy Program and,• Land for Maine’s Future (LMF)

The property is managed through a unique state-municipal-private partnership. The Bureau of Parks and Lands owns the property but it is managed jointly with the Town of Amherst, which receives assistance from the Forest Society of Maine.

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