The Caribou Trail and Mud Brook Trail leave from a common trailhead parking area on ME Route 113 between Hasting Campground and the Basin Recreation Area. Both trails use parts of old logging roads to lead hikers through land that has a rich history as farmland and timberland. These trails also travel through part of the Caribou-Speckled Mountain Wilderness, which was designated by Congress in 1990 to be preserved for future generations. Hikers will notice narrower trails and fewer signs within the Wilderness.
The Caribou Trail is a relaxing and scenic hike. It passes through a northern hardwood forest as it follows Morrison Brook, which treats hikers to several waterfalls, including the spectacular 25 foot Kees Falls (2.1 miles). The trail crosses Morrison Brook several times and intersects with the Mud Brook Trail at 3.1 miles before climbing over the col into the Bog Brook basin and ending at Bog Road (5.7 miles).
The Mud Brook Trail leaves the south side of the parking area and follows Mud Brook along an old woods road, ascending gradually for 1.7 miles. The trail then turns left, crosses Mud Brook several times, and begins to climb steeply over a small bare knob. It then descends to a small ravine, crosses ledges, and then reaches the summit of Caribou Mountain at 3.0 miles. Rock markers (cairns) clearly direct hikers over the rocky summit. The trail intersects with Caribou Trail at 3.6 miles allowing hikers to make a 6.7 mile loop back to the trailhead on ME Route 113.
Caribou Mountain is part of the Caribou-Speckled Mountain Wilderness, please check with the Androscoggin Ranger Station for current information about maximum group size and camping and fire regulations. The section of ME Route 113 that the parking area is located on is closed during winter. The section of Bog Road which provides access to the parking area for the northern Caribou Trail trailhead is not maintained for winter travel. A White Mountain National Forest Recreation Pass is required at the Brickett Place Day Use Area. A self-serve pay station is located on site.
Natural Heritage Hikes is a project of the Maine Natural Areas Program in partnership with Maine Trail Finder. View the "Caribou Mountain - Caribou and Mud Brook Trail" guide online here.
Visit the White Mountain National Forest online for more information or contact:
White Mountain National ForestFrom US Route 2 in Gilead, travel south on Maine State Route 113 for 4.8 miles to the parking area at the Caribou/Mud Brook Trailhead on the east side of the road. From US Route 302 in Fryeburg, travel north on Maine State Route 113 for 24.8 miles to the parking area.
For the north end of Caribou Trail: From US Route 2 just west of West Bethel, travel south on Bog Road 2.8 miles to a small parking area where the road is gated.
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