Caribou-Speckled Mountain Wilderness

"Where the Earth and Its Community of Life are Untrammeled By Humans"

This special area on the Evans Notch Ranger District was added to the National Wilderness Preservation System by Congress in 1990. It is managed in accordance with the Wilderness Act of 1964, with the intent of allowing the ecosystems to function without disturbance by humans. The Wilderness is an enduring resource "protected and managed so as to preserve its natural conditions."

The Area

The Caribou-Speckled Mountain Wilderness covers 12,000 acres of public land on the White Mountain National Forest. It is one of only two Wilderness areas in Maine, located south of Route 2 near the small town of Gilead.

Typical of the rugged White Mountain landscape, the topography varies from lower hardwood slopes to exposed rocky peaks. The highest point is Speckled Mountain at 2,906 feet. Other high peaks include Caribou at 2,840, Durgin at 2,404, and Ames at 2,680.

Attractions include the scenic views from the open summits of Caribou and Speckled Mountains and along ridge trails such as Red Rock and Blueberry Ridge. Waterfalls cascade along several brooks such as Bickford, Great, and Mud Brooks.

Visitors To The Wilderness

Most recreationists visit in the summer season, from June through September. Day hiking is popular, and some folks camp overnight. There are over 25 miles of trails inside the Wilderness boundary which include all or parts of 12 different trails. The trails combine gentle to moderate grades with spectacular views of the rugged mountains of western Maine.

Backcountry Ethics

The Wilderness is a place with little evidence of human impact on the land. You may notice narrower trails, fewer signs, and few structures. Many visitors come to the Wilderness to experience the solitude and find solace in the pristine environment. Respecting the land and respecting other visitors is important to everyone's wilderness experience.

For a true wilderness experience for yourself and others, camp out of sight and sound of other campers, and at least 200 feet from streams and trails. Tents of neutral "earth colors" are preferred to blend in with the forest setting. Branches or boughs must not be cut for bedding. Use a stove instead of building a fire to avoid fire scars on the land. Wash up at least 200 feet from streams to protect water quality and aquatic creatures.

Locate toilets at least 200 feet from the nearest water supply. Dig a hole about 8" deep, and fill it in with loose soil after use. Human waste buried in this way will decompose quickly.