Beaver Cove, Maine – A beloved network of hiking trails on Burnt Jacket Mountain is being permanently closed following the sale of the land to a private owner. This closure affects the Blue, Green, and Red Trails, leaving the public without access to one of the region’s quieter hiking spots.
The Moosehead Regional Land Trust is expected to vote on Tuesday, October 29th, to determine if they will challenge the closure or explore other solutions to keep the trails open.
While Burnt Jacket Mountain may not rival the more famous peaks in the region like Mount Kineo or Borestone, it has provided a serene and accessible hiking experience for over two decades. Known for its remote charm and family-friendly terrain, it has been a favorite among locals and visitors alike, especially during the off-season.
“This closure is a loss not only for hikers but also for regional businesses,” said a local outdoor enthusiast. “Families who used to frequent these trails may now turn to more crowded spots like Little Moose. Burnt Jacket was the kind of quiet adventure people come to Moosehead Lake to find.”
Steve Yocom, Executive Director of Destination Moosehead Lake, added, “Destination Moosehead Lake has been informed by a design/architectural firm that the entirety of Burnt Jacket Mountain has been purchased. Unfortunately, the new owners do not want to continue to allow the established trail system. We have removed this information from our website and will pull it from any of our hiking guides going forward. This seems like a defining moment for the town and travelers that love this region to support folks like the Moosehead Lake Regional Land Trust and to learn about what kinds of good stewardship they can practice while in our backyard to help keep more access open to the Public.”
The closure follows a similar event earlier this year when access to the B-52 Memorial Trail on Elephant Mountain was restricted due to logging activities, though that route is expected to reopen intermittently. Unfortunately, the trails on Burnt Jacket Mountain will not be reopening under the current ownership.
Community members are encouraged to share their memories and express their support for Burnt Jacket Mountain’s trails by reaching out to the Beaver Cove Town Office at (207) 695-2880, participating in local forums, or posting on platforms like Maine Hiking and My Moosehead.
For more information about the upcoming vote or how to support trail conservation efforts, please contact:
Moosehead Regional Land Trust
Phone: (207) 207-266-7779
Email: info@mooseheadlandtrust.org
The Moosehead Lakeshore Journal will continue to follow this story and provide updates as they happen. If you have any information, please contact us at:
Moosehead Lakeshore Journal
Phone: (207) 280-0265
Email: editor@mooseheadlakeshorejournal.com