Hike Borestone Mtn Wildlife Sanctuary

You can park by the Gate house. From there, hiking the day trail offers a pleasant family climb of approximately three miles to the final summit. There's a staffed visitor's center halfway up a Sunrise Pond; wildlife and natural exhibits as well as historical artifacts are on display.


Within the sanctuary boundaries mammals and birds are plentiful, but there's no guarantee you'll see some of the more timid inhabitants. The wilderness sets its own terms for your visit, so you'll have to be patient and observant.


Uncut for a century, Borestone's forest is mixed hardwoods and softwoods. It is predominantly beech and birch at the beginning of the trail, gradually changing to spruce and fir just below the summit. Once at the top, a spectacular 360 degree panorama greets you.


The Gate House and Information Center is open at 8:00 a.m. every day from June 1st. to October 31 st. All visitors must be off the trail by dusk. The National Audubon Society regulations prohibit pets, alcohol, firearms, overnight camping or fires on Sanctuary grounds.


The preservation and upkeep of Borestone Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary depends primarily on private donations. The National Audubon Society receives no government funding for its programs or activities. Your contribution will insure that this beautiful mountain side is maintained in a natural state for future generations. The National Audubon Society, one of America's largest and most distinguished conservation organizations, was founded in 1905.


Through the study of bird life, the Society has become increasingly aware of the interdependence of all living things. Its prime goal is the long term protection of our natural resources.

Now with more than half a million members, five hundred chapters, and a staff of two hundred seventy-three, the Audubon Society is a powerful force for conservation research, education and action.



The Society's headquarters are in New York City; the legislative branch works out of an office on Capitol Hill in Washington DC. Ecology camps, environmental education centers, research stations and eighty sanctuaries are strategically located around the country. The Society publishes a prize winning magazine, Audubon and a newsletter as part of the youth education program, Audubon Adventure.

Borestone Mtn Sanctuary History

Mansur, a distinguished architect from Bangor, Maine constructed the Lodge in the true Adirondack Rustic Style.

Robert T. Moore, a dedicated steward of this ecologically unique and historic property willed it to the National Audubon Society

In 1961, the former Borestone Fox Farm, that was in operation from 1916 to World War II, was accepted by the National Audubon Society to become the Borestone Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary.

It was not until 1984 that a visitation program was initiated by the placement of a resident full-time Manager and staff at the Sanctuary.

The original property, 970 acres of forest and clear deep ponds surrounding the summit of Borestone Mountain, has been increased by a gift of land from Dr. John Lewis, Robert T. Moore's son, Terris Moore and daughter, Marilynn Ridland. Through the appreciated efforts of Terris (1908-1993) and his wife Katrina, Borestone Mt. Sanctuary presently contains 1639 acres within its borders.

In 1994 a generous contribution was given by Alexander and Marilynn Ridland for the renovations and outfitting of the Borestone Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary Lodges. Renovations will be ongoing and the Lodges are currently at the point of opening for public use.


Northern Maine Riding Adventures and the Borestone Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary Staff welcomes you to use the Lodges for daily meetings, two day or weekend retreats. Transportation can be provided to the Nature Center from the Sanctuary Gate and then from the Center to the Lodges by boat or you may choose to walk on the maintained wilderness trail. Staff present at the Lodge will provide for your needs.

The Lodges, considered by some to be remote, have no electricity, light is provided by oil lamps. The Main Lodge and Dining Lodge booth have fireplaces. Beds, blankets, sheets and towels are provided. The complex has one regular toilet and a compost toilet. The Lodges do have a water system. A Cellular phone is available.

For Reservations and fees call:

Northern Maine Riding Adventures.

Professional Maine Guides and Outfitters:
Since 1979
Bob Flury-Strehlke ~ Judith Cross-Strehlke
186 Garland Line Road
Dover-Foxcroft, Maine 04426

Tel: (207) 564-3451

e-mail: ride@mainetrailrides.com



(14:57 Eastern Daylight Savings Time US/Canada)