East Grand Highlands Trails, Danforth, Maine

By Chuck Billy's Blog, Places to go, Places to visit, ,

As Asa’s World Tour of Maine traveled north to the Million Dollar View Scenic Byway and Orient, we stopped to stretch our legs and explore the East Grand Highlands Hiking Trails in Danforth, Maine. Thanks to the generosity of the David B. Snow Jr. Family Trust, who privately own this land, they have allowed the Woodie Wheaton Land Trust to maintain trails that overlook East Grand and Sucker lakes.

Chuck Billy: Although PT Barnum once said, “There’s a sucker born every minute,” contrary to what some may think, this lake isn’t named for gullible Asa. Sucker Lake derived its name from the fish who inhabit the lake, and were used as fertilizer by early farmers in the region. Asa: Wait? Why did you tell me to sit in front of this sign? What are you implying!

With over 4 miles of trails, ranging from easy to difficult, on the day we visited we chose the easy Overlook Trail, which is a one way 1.58 mile gradual incline hike to a scenic overlook. This former logging road passes through regenerated timberland, with an interesting glacial erratic located 1/2 mile from the trailhead at Rolling Rock.

The main Overlook Trail is wide, easy to follow, and well maintained.

Along the way Chuck Billy couldn’t help but start thinking this would be the perfect place to look for Bigfoot. He even spooked himself when he thought he heard a “growl” in the woods. Dad said it was the sound Grouse wings make before they fly off. Chuck Billy didn’t believe him at first, until we heard it again and watched as a bird flew away. We also found signs of Moose along the trail!

Alas, Moose are just as difficult to find as Bigfoot. Despite our best efforts we didn’t see any Moose or Bigfoot. But you do have to admit that looks like a portal up ahead on the trail!

What we did find at the end of the trail is a viewing platform where we could gaze out at Sucker Lake, East Grand Lake, and New Brunswick, Canada. There we enjoyed a picnic that we packed in, while pondering the Maliseet Canoe Trail used by the Native Americas to navigate this vast region.

Here is a better view of what we were looking at from the observation deck, with landmarks labeled, thanks to the Woodie Wheaton Land Trust’s interpretive sign.

Dogs are allowed on-leash at the East Grand Highlands Hiking Trails. Please clean up after your pet, and as always, respect the wildlife that call these woods home. Parking is available in a lot located along Houlton Road in Danforth, Maine. For more information to plan your visit, please go to WoodieWheaton.org.

The Woodie Wheaton Land Trust is named for a Registered Maine Guide, who opened Wheaton’s Lodge on the shores of East Grand Lake in the 1950s. There he welcomed many “rusticators” and sportsmen to enjoy all that the outdoors in Maine has to offer. Thanks to the Woodie Wheaton Land Trust, and families like the Snows who conserved the land from developers, that tradition continues today in the Chiputneticook Lakes Region of Eastern Maine and Western New Brunswick.

Join us as we continue to enjoy the great outdoors on Asa’s World Tour of Maine!

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About the author

Chuck Billy is a Golden Retriever, living in Southern Maine, who likes to share his unique observations on life with his little brother Asa. When not writing his blog, he spends his days being awesome.