A Natural Heritage Inventory of the Appalachian Trail in Maine

The Maine Natural Areas Program

Final Report of an Inventory taken of the Natural Heritage found along the Appalachian Trail in Maine. The Appalachian Trail (AT) extends for approximately 270 miles in Maine and covers thousands of acres of private, state, and federally owned land. The Trail wanders through rugged and scenic terrain and provides some of the most beautiful views of the Maine landscape available. This project is intended to identify significant botanical and ecological resources along the trail and augments other such projects performed in states through which the AT passes. This report combines the results of recent field survey information along with information from publications and past surveys, and it focuses on rare, exemplary, and otherwise noteworthy natural features along the AT. Our specific objectives were to conduct rare species and natural community surveys, and to compile the information for the purpose of guiding land management activities to ensure that natural features are not adversely impacted by development, maintenance, and operation of the AT and associated Corridor lands. The report is organized so that it is meaningful on a site-by-site basis. Volunteers, managers, and trail guides can remove and use each section separately, focusing on that section's unique habitats. Therefore, please excuse the repetition that occurs in many of the site texts. This was done intentionally so that the section could be removed and still contain complete information for purposes of survey and management.