Southern Bangor and Aroostook Trail: New Sweden to Presque Isle

Dogs Unknown

Although the trail visits towns where lodging and restaurants are available, most of the trail is remote. Travelers should carry emergency gear along with extra food and water.

The route runs south from Van Buren toward Stockholm, where it splits into branches to Caribou and Mapleton. It briefly joins the Aroostook Valley Trail in Washburn.

Starting at the north end of the trail in Van Buren, you’re just across the Saint John River from the province of New Brunswick, Canada. Heading out of Van Buren, the trail enters a forested wilderness where logging occurs. This is prime moose country, as the woods provide cover, but the open boggy areas provide food and allow the moose to move about with wide antlers. The trail splits in Stockholm.

The longest branch takes a sharp turn right, curves left, and then heads south for 30 miles to the small town of Mapleton. Along the way, it passes through Washburn, where you can grab some food and perhaps hook up with the Aroostook Valley Trail. The landscape changes from forest to agricultural crop fields.

The left fork in Stockholm heads 16 miles to Caribou, located on the Aroostook River. Calling itself the most northeastern city in the United States, the town is a center for outdoor recreation.