Pigeon Hill

Trailhead

Coming west on US Route 1 from Milbridge or east on US Route 1 from the Hancock-Washington County line, turn south onto Pigeon Hill Road in Steuben. Drive about 4.5 miles on the road to the trailhead parking area on the right and opposite an old cemetery on the left. There is an informational sign and parking for approximately six vehicles.

Description

The 1.2 mile long trail system is within the 170 acre Pigeon Hill Preserve. The 317 foot summit of Pigeon Hill is the highest in coastal region of eastern Washington County. For more than a century, people have climbed the Historic Trail from Pigeon Hill Road through an open forest to the bald granite summit to enjoy the spectacular panoramic views. From various view points, hikers can look northwesterly to Schoodic and Black Mountains; westerly to Schoodic Point and Cadallic Mountain on Mount Desert Island; southerly across the 2400-acre wildlife refuge on Petit Manan Point to the second tallest lighthouse in Maine; and easterly across Bois Bubert Island, Jordan’s Delight, Nash Island, and myriad bold islands in the Greater Pleasant Bay archipelago. The preserve includes extensive forested acreage on the western flank of the hill, many open rock ledges on the southern shoulder and remnants of abandoned silver mining activities east of the summit. The figure eight loop trail system allows hikers to reach the summit and return to the parking area without retracing their steps. Hikers are encouraged to hike up the historic trail to the summit and return via the Summit Loop and Silver Mine Trails for the easiest hiking, the most viewscapes and the opportunity to view evidence of some of Pigeon Hill’s human history. The Summit Loop Trail is the least steep route to and from the summit.

Other Information

Pigeon Hill played an important role in the “Eastern Oblique Arc” survey triangulation of the eastern US from New Orleans, LA to Calais, ME that began in 1833 and completed in 1898. The US Coast and Geodetic Survey first monumented station “Pigeon” in 1855. The summit of Pigeon Hill then provided an unobstructed northerly view toward the Epping Baseline. The east and west granite monuments for that baseline are still in good condition – a unique situation since none of the other baselines of the Easter Oblique Arc still exist.

Large areas of broken rocks along the Silver Mine Trail in the eastern woods section of the preserve are almost certainly the remains of old silver mining activities. The writings of a descendent of an early immigrant farmer indicate that silver mining started on the hill sometime after the Civil War and that “The first diggings can still be traced on the hill with a boiling spring where the sheep and cattle drank, replacing the precious metal.” Barbed wire fencing, a rocky access ramp, and the watering hole are still visible from the trail.

Public Access is from the Pigeon Hill Road parking area only. Please respect neighboring private property and roads and visit only during daylight at your own risk. Trails are rocky and steep in sections and may be slippery when wet or icy. Please practice “carry-in/carry-out” and “leave no trace” ethics. Fires, camping, ATVs, snowmobiles, and collection of lichens or other plants is not permitted. Dogs should be kept under leash or voice control. The preserve is open for hunting in season when visitors are advised to wear safety orange vests, jackets or hats.

Trail Manager

Visit the Downeast Coastal Conservancy online for more information or contact