Hike Borestone Mountain With Us!
Join us on a breathtaking journey as we hike Borestone Mountain—a hidden gem in Maine’s Hundred-Mile Wilderness at the Borestone Mountain Audubon Sanctuary. From forested climbs to sweeping summit views over Onawa Lake, this hike truly captures the essence of Maine’s wild heart.
Trail Stats at a Glance
Total length: ~3.6–3.7 miles round-trip
Elevation gain: ~1,250–1,350 ft (up to 1,100 ft to East Peak)
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging; steep final climb with exposed rock, stairs, and iron rungs
Trail Breakdown:
Base Trail: 1.1 miles through evergreen and hardwood forest from the gate to the Sunrise Pond Visitor Center
Summit Trail: 1.0 mile along Shore of Sunrise Pond, then a steep 0.7 mile climb featuring 130 stone steps and two steel handholds to West Peak. A final 0.3 mile scramble leads to East Peak (1,981 ft)
Return Route: We highly recommend descending via the access road—a gentler 1.3 mile walk downhill to the parking area, rather than retracing the steeper Base Trail
Why We Love This Hike:
Panoramic 360-degree views from both West and East Peaks—Onawa Lake shimmers to the north, and the vast Maine woods stretch beyond .
A forest that hasn’t been logged for over a century, part of the 1,600-acre Audubon Sanctuary with rare mature spruce-fir and hardwood stands .
Scenic ponds—Sunrise, Midday, and Sunset Pond—dot the landscape. The Peregrine Trail offers peaceful ledge overlooks above these crystal waters .
Hike Tips & Personal Notes:
The first mile is the toughest—expect a steep root-and-rock climb gaining ~1,000 ft. Pace yourself and soak in the quiet forest around you (I always take a mini-break halfway and grab a swig of hydration!) .
When the Visitor Center is open (Memorial Day to Columbus Day, daily 9 am–3 pm), don’t skip stopping in—enjoy interactive displays, use the bathrooms, browse the small Nature Store, and chat with staff about trail conditions .
Trail fee? Yes, a small honor-system suggested donation: $5 for adults, $3 for students or seniors, free under 6 or for Audubon members .
From the summit, Onawa Lake stretches north—its shimmering surface framed by the distant summits of the 100‑Mile Wilderness. It’s a serene and majestic backdrop that makes every uphill step worth it.
Whether you’re gearing up for your first summit or chasing 360° views in Maine, Borestone Mountain is a journey you’ll fall in love with. Want Strava or AllTrails links for your own tracking? I’ve got you covered—just say the word!
