410:
Appalachian Trail goes off to the right, another trail goes straight ahead. This is the Tote Road; most people hike back on this trail since the walking is easier than the Rim Trail. Stay left to follow the Gulf Hagas Rim Trail, which immediately crosses scenic Gulf Hagas Brook, eventually reaching the gorge. The Rim trail has numerous overlooks providing views of falls and rapids below. Some include Jaws, Buttermilk Falls, and
Billings Falls. The 20-foot (6.1 m) high Billings Falls is a highlight of the hike, and at this point you're nearing the return on the Tote Road. Once the Tote Road is reached take a right and stay on this trail until the AT is reached. This completes the 5 miles (8.0 km) loop. Return along the same trail, via the Hermitage.
393:
389:
Hagas Brook, which is a 4 miles (6.4 km) round trip. There is no camping allowed in Gulf Hagas, but camping is available nearby provided by KI Jo-Mary. Fires are not allowed in Gulf Hagas. Water can occasionally be found along the Rim Trail but should be treated for contaminants before consumption. Anything brought into Gulf Hagas should be brought out; this a primitive area, there are no trash disposal services. Black-flies and mosquitoes can be thick in the spring and summer months. Insect repellent and long-sleeved clothing is advised. The weather in Maine can change quickly and hikers should be prepared for any type of weather.
307:
258:. Mud deposits remained, which were heated, compressed, and crystallized to form slate. Slate has sharp, angular edges when it fractures but is polished smooth by the action of erosion. This is evident deep in the canyon where the gorge walls are smooth and vertical. The swirling motion of water and pebbles creates potholes in the gorge, spherical depressions in the rock. Gulf Hagas may have been created towards the end of the last ice age when an ice-dammed lake gave way and sent huge volumes of water through the area, carving the Gulf.
42:
464:
right. Stay left at 3 intersections driving 6.5 miles (10.5 km). There will be a parking on the right where the trailhead is located. If coming from the north, from
Greenville, follow Pleasant Street for half a mile onto E Road. Travel on E Road for 3.6 miles (5.8 km) which turns into Ki Road. Follow Ki Road for 8 miles (13 km). Take a right on Katahdin Iron Works road and drive 6.1 miles (9.8 km) until the trailhead is reached. Gate fees will also be collected if coming from
26:
419:
49:
152:
321:, an impure form of iron ore readily available in the area was used by the Red Paint People on their tools, skin and during burials. Grave sites were lined with the red ochre which preserved bodies of the deceased. Burial grounds belonging to Red Paint People have been discovered dating back 7,500 years.
388:
Hiking along the Gulf Hagas Rim Trail is the most popular option for hikers who wish to view the gorge. Hikers should be well prepared and get an early start; the hike is 8 miles (13 km) long and takes up to 8 hours. Those seeking a more moderate hike may consider visiting The
Hermitage and Gulf
233:
through the gorge to provide fuel for the smelting operations which took place at
Katahdin Iron Works. Later, pulp wood used to make paper was floated through the Gulf. A few spots within the gorge were as narrow as 8 feet (2.4 m) and were referred to as the Jaws. These spots caused log jams and
245:
Gulf Hagas was designated a
National Natural Scenic Landmark in 1969 and landowners agreed to preserve 500 acres (200 ha) of land including Gulf Hagas. Gulf Hagas became part of Appalachian Trail Corridor, owned by the National Park Service, in 1985. The Maine Appalachian Trail Club, consisting
405:
Follow signs from the parking lot to the trail-head to begin the hike. You will immediately come to the West Branch of the
Pleasant River. There is no bridge and the river must be forded. The river is usually low and easily crossed during summer months. High water in the spring time or after a rain
455:
Roads accessing Gulf Hagas are on private land and are managed by a group of private landowners called KI Jo-Mary. KI Jo-Mary collects fees to help maintain roads and facilities. The Gate fee is $ 11 for Maine residents and $ 22 for non-Maine residents. The gate is open from 6 AM until 9 PM. The
463:
is reached, continue following route 11 north for 8.1 miles (13.0 km). Take a slight left onto the (dirt) Katahdin Iron Works Road, and drive for 6.5 miles (10.5 km) until the gatehouse is reached. Stop here and pay the fee. Cross the West
Pleasant River via bridge and take an immediate
409:
The trail converges with the
Appalachian Trail (AT) just before crossing the river. Follow the trail about a tenth of a mile to where it splits, stay left and enter the Hermitage, an old-growth virgin forest of White Pine trees. After a mile of easy walking, the Rim Trail Loop is reached. The
438:
is unique and of particularly high quality; the deep gorge and waterfalls aren't especially common in Maine. Great scenery, a wide range of boatable flows, waterfalls, and water levels which remain high longer than other runs make Gulf Hagas a classic class 5 kayak run.
178:. A trail follows the rim of the canyon offering hikers views of the falls and its geology. The gorge is 3 miles (4.8 km) long; the river drops 370 feet (110 m) in this distance boasting 130 feet (40 m) walls. Gulf Hagas is one of 14
406:
storm, however, may make the crossing difficult. If the river is unsafe to cross an option is to drive 6 miles (9.7 km) up
Katahdin Iron Works Road and hike in from the Head of the Gulf, which crosses the river with a bridge.
194:(AT) Corridor. For a short distance the Gulf Hagas Rim Trail follows the AT, a 2,200 miles (3,500 km) hiking trail extending from Georgia to Maine. The section of the AT which goes through Gulf Hagas is called the
234:
were widened by the log drivers using dynamite. Log drivers are responsible for naming most of the major waterfalls and rapids in Gulf Hagas. The Gulf was previously owned by the paper companies,
324:
Simon Garew, the Legend of the Gulf, would travel to the gorge with his dog each year to hunt and fish. His secret reason for visiting the gorge is described in a poem; here is an excerpt from
380:
Simon ventured into the canyon one fall and was never seen again after a storm filled the gorge with water. All that was left was his dog who wouldn't leave the Gulf without him.
270:
trees adorn this area and can be seen as tall as 150 feet (46 m), with diameters sometimes spanning 10 feet (3.0 m). The rim trail is characterized by pine trees.
170:
woods and is often referred to as the Grand Canyon of Maine. The West Branch of the
Pleasant River cuts through the earth for three miles creating a vertically walled
254:
The bedrock which forms Gulf Hagas is slate, part of the Carrabassett formation. 400 million years ago converging plates forced land upward, displacing the
447:
Hunting is allowed in KI Jo-Mary, but not along the trails in Gulf Hagas. Fishing is allowed per Maine State law. ATVs are not permitted in KI Jo-Mary.
624:
456:
gatehouse is open May through October, during the off-season no fees are collected and the gate remains open. Camping is also available for a fee.
629:
317:
certainly lived, hunted, and fished around Gulf Hagas. Gravesites belonging to the mysterious "Red Paint People" have been found in the area.
644:
81:
266:
The Gulf Hagas Rim Trail passes through The Hermitage, one of the few remaining stands of virgin old growth forest in New England. Giant
434:. The steep gorge walls can make egress nearly impossible. Gulf Hagas is considered by many to be the best creek run in Maine. The
589:
41:
314:
198:. This is the final 100 miles (160 km) of the AT and is viewed by many as the most remote and difficult portion.
235:
529:—. "North Maine Woods, Inc." n.d. The Gulf Hagas Area. Map with trail descriptions. 15 November 2011. <
639:
634:
179:
126:
486:
Appalachian Mountain Club. AMC Maine Mountain Guide. Boston: Appalachian Mountain Club, 1988. Book.
573:
Sawtell, William R. Katahdin Iron Works and Gulf Hagas. Milo, ME: Milo Printing Press, 1993. Book
549:
Caldwell, D.W. Roadside Geology of Maine. Misoula: Mountain Press Publishing Company, 1998. Book.
496:
195:
608:
396:
Fall foliage overlooking Buttermilk Falls in Gulf Hagas on an overcast October day in 2016.
392:
8:
431:
202:
267:
497:"National Natural Landmarks - National Natural Landmarks (U.S. National Park Service)"
182:
in the State of Maine, and is open to the public for a fee during the regular season.
465:
460:
306:
287:
191:
530:
593:
275:
218:
586:
618:
561:
Bennett, Dean. Maine's Natural Heritage. Camden: Down East Books, 1988. Book.
291:
255:
214:
96:
83:
271:
295:
230:
585:
North Maine Woods, Inc. Gulf Hagas. n.d. Website. 15 November 2011. <
213:. Gulf Hagas is 90 miles (140 km), 1 hour and 20 minute drive from
435:
279:
175:
25:
423:
418:
221:
the drive is a 3 hour and 40 minute, 172 miles (277 km) trip.
206:
210:
151:
163:
318:
283:
246:
of mostly volunteers, maintains the Gulf's system of trails.
239:
171:
167:
57:
430:
Kayaking Gulf Hagas is best suited for expert, class five,
354:
Shines full and fair upon it, Making it plain and white, -
310:
Pool level view at Screw Auger Falls in Gulf Hagas, Maine.
282:and eastern white pine trees are the most common.
531:http://www.northmainewoods.org/gulf-hagas-map.pdf
201:Most people access Gulf Hagas by driving through
616:
342:"The Great Spirit comes to the face in the rock,
30:A kayaker runs "Billings Falls" in Gulf Hagas.
587:http://www.northmainewoods.org/gulfhagas.html
286:are frequently seen in the area along with
569:
567:
557:
555:
545:
543:
541:
539:
417:
391:
305:
249:
150:
625:Canyons and gorges of the United States
459:If you're driving from the south, once
348:And when the round moon shines upon it,
205:, a State Park and historic site where
630:Landforms of Piscataquis County, Maine
617:
564:
552:
536:
155:A view of Gulf Hagas from river level.
581:
579:
525:
523:
521:
519:
482:
480:
166:located in the mountains of northern
400:
645:National Natural Landmarks in Maine
442:
13:
576:
516:
477:
357:Whoever waits there, with fasting,
345:The moon when the leaves grow red;
326:Simon Garfew A Legend of Gulf Glen
261:
48:
14:
656:
602:
450:
363:With a deer's blood for offering
301:
47:
40:
24:
366:Always finds pardon and peace."
489:
351:Shines into the Gulf at night,
127:U.S. National Natural Landmark
1:
471:
236:Great Northern Paper Company
7:
413:
10:
661:
224:
190:Gulf Hagas is part of the
180:National Natural Landmarks
383:
145:
141:
133:
124:
120:
112:
75:
67:
35:
23:
18:
185:
611:North Maine Woods, Inc.
196:Hundred-Mile Wilderness
427:
397:
360:Below the strong face,
311:
156:
511:Year designated: 1968
421:
395:
309:
250:Geology and geography
154:
294:. Within the gorge,
174:gorge with numerous
609:Gulf Hagas Area Map
432:whitewater kayakers
203:Katahdin Iron Works
93: /
640:Old-growth forests
592:2011-09-28 at the
428:
398:
312:
268:eastern white pine
157:
97:45.4841°N 69.323°W
635:North Maine Woods
426:the rapid "Wedge"
401:Hiking directions
288:white-tailed deer
192:Appalachian Trail
149:
148:
652:
597:
583:
574:
571:
562:
559:
550:
547:
534:
527:
514:
513:
508:
507:
493:
487:
484:
443:Other recreation
315:Native Americans
108:
107:
105:
104:
103:
102:45.4841; -69.323
98:
94:
91:
90:
89:
86:
51:
50:
44:
28:
16:
15:
660:
659:
655:
654:
653:
651:
650:
649:
615:
614:
605:
600:
594:Wayback Machine
584:
577:
572:
565:
560:
553:
548:
537:
528:
517:
505:
503:
495:
494:
490:
485:
478:
474:
453:
445:
416:
403:
386:
304:
276:eastern hemlock
264:
262:Flora and fauna
252:
229:Logs were once
227:
219:Portland, Maine
188:
129:
101:
99:
95:
92:
87:
84:
82:
80:
79:
63:
62:
61:
60:
54:
53:
52:
31:
12:
11:
5:
658:
648:
647:
642:
637:
632:
627:
613:
612:
604:
603:External links
601:
599:
598:
575:
563:
551:
535:
515:
488:
475:
473:
470:
452:
449:
444:
441:
415:
412:
402:
399:
385:
382:
378:
377:
376:
375:
374:
373:
372:
371:
370:
369:
368:
367:
364:
361:
358:
355:
352:
349:
346:
343:
303:
300:
298:are abundant.
263:
260:
251:
248:
226:
223:
187:
184:
147:
146:
143:
142:
139:
138:
135:
131:
130:
125:
122:
121:
118:
117:
114:
110:
109:
77:
73:
72:
71:Northern maine
69:
65:
64:
55:
46:
45:
39:
38:
37:
36:
33:
32:
29:
21:
20:
9:
6:
4:
3:
2:
657:
646:
643:
641:
638:
636:
633:
631:
628:
626:
623:
622:
620:
610:
607:
606:
595:
591:
588:
582:
580:
570:
568:
558:
556:
546:
544:
542:
540:
532:
526:
524:
522:
520:
512:
502:
498:
492:
483:
481:
476:
469:
467:
462:
457:
451:Getting there
448:
440:
437:
433:
425:
420:
411:
407:
394:
390:
381:
365:
362:
359:
356:
353:
350:
347:
344:
341:
340:
339:
338:
337:
336:
335:
334:
333:
332:
331:
330:
329:
327:
322:
320:
316:
308:
302:Myth and lore
299:
297:
293:
292:snowshoe hare
289:
285:
281:
277:
273:
269:
259:
257:
256:Iapetus Ocean
247:
243:
241:
237:
232:
222:
220:
216:
215:Bangor, Maine
212:
208:
204:
199:
197:
193:
183:
181:
177:
173:
169:
165:
161:
153:
144:
140:
136:
132:
128:
123:
119:
115:
111:
106:
78:
74:
70:
66:
59:
43:
34:
27:
22:
17:
510:
504:. Retrieved
500:
491:
458:
454:
446:
429:
408:
404:
387:
379:
325:
323:
313:
272:Black spruce
265:
253:
244:
228:
200:
189:
159:
158:
501:www.nps.gov
296:Brook Trout
113:Established
100: /
76:Coordinates
619:Categories
506:2019-03-22
472:References
466:Greenville
461:Brownville
436:whitewater
422:A kayaker
280:balsam fir
176:waterfalls
160:Gulf Hagas
134:Designated
88:69°19′23″W
85:45°29′03″N
19:Gulf Hagas
424:portaging
319:Red ochre
209:was once
590:Archived
414:Kayaking
207:iron ore
68:Location
225:History
217:. From
211:smelted
56:Map of
384:Hiking
231:driven
596:>.
533:>.
284:Moose
240:Sappi
186:Where
172:slate
168:Maine
164:gorge
162:is a
58:Maine
290:and
238:and
137:1968
116:1985
621::
578:^
566:^
554:^
538:^
518:^
509:.
499:.
479:^
468:.
328::
278:,
274:,
242:.
Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License. Additional terms may apply.
