It’s a Long Way to the Top in Orient, Maine

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

Asa’s World Tour of Maine has finally reached the top, or at least very close to it! Traveling the farthest northeast we’ve ever gone before to the “Crown of Maine,” we visited Orient! Located in Maine’s northern most county of Aroostook, Orient was incorporated on April 19, 1856. As for the reasoning behind the name, from what we could find it is because of its eastern location jetting out into New Brunswick, Canada. During its peak as a lumbering and farming community, the population reached 244 in 1890. Today Orient, Maine is an outdoor paradise with many opportunities for fishing, hunting, boating, hiking and riding ATV trails. It is also is known for being one of the first official border crossings into Canada, and the original building from 1937 on the National Register of Historic Places is still used today!

This is NOT that U.S. Inspection Station. We weren’t sure about rules for photographing it. However here we are posed at the Orient town hall, which serves many functions in the heart of the town.
More proof that we traveled all the way to Maine’s northern most county of Aroostock, also simply known as “The County.”

On the way to Orient, we traveled along the Million Dollar View Scenic Byway! This 8 mile stretch of Route 1 has two scenic overlooks to stop and enjoy the “Million Dollar” views of Mount Katahdin, Peekaboo Mountain, the Chiputneticook chain of lakes, and our neighbors to the north, New Brunswick, Canada!

Our photos of the Chiputneticook chain of lakes don’t do justice to the beautiful views!

The Chiputneticook chain of lakes consist of several lakes that define the border between the U.S. and Canada. It was skilled Wabanaki guides who showed French, British and US explorers how to navigate this vast system of lakes, rivers, and forests.

Fun fact: It is the deepest parts of these lakes that define the border between the United States and Canada.

Mount Katahdin is the highest mountain in the state of Maine at 5,269 feet, and its name means “Great Mountain,” by the Penobscot Native Americans. You can see it majestically looming over the landscape in the distance along the Million Dollar Scenic Byway. Baxter Peak on Mount Katahdin is the northern terminus of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. Today this remote national monument and state park consists of over 215 miles of hiking trails, but please note pets are not allowed, and visitors must be prepared for the conditions there. Hence why we are admiring it from afar.

If you zoom in over our heads you can make out Mount Katahdin in the distance.

Here’s a “closer” look of Mount Katahdin from the Million Dollar View Scenic Byway.

Looming high above its surroundings, Mount Katahdin has inspired countless explorers, writers, and artists over the centuries….including us! It truly was awe inspiring to see!

And a sign to prove Mount Katahdin is indeed in the distance.

We didn’t hike in Orient, but along the way on our long drive north, we did stop to stretch our legs to explore Danforth, Maine. We’ll be sharing that adventure tomorrow, as we continue with 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.