Donnell Pond Public Land offers all the views, without Acadia crowds
Maine’s Donnell Pond Public Land Offers a Remote Escape for Hikers, Paddlers and Nature Enthusiasts
Franklin and Sullivan, Maine – Roughly 15,500 acres of forested hills and shoreline make up Donnell Pond Public Land, a sprawling preserve that stretches across the towns of Franklin and Sullivan and the unorganized townships of T9 SD and T10 SD. The area, which sits along the Blackwoods Scenic Byway (Route 182), is increasingly popular with outdoor enthusiasts looking for the wide‑open landscapes of Acadia without the crowds of Mount Desert Island.
Tunk Mountain – A 1,157‑Foot Viewpoint
At the heart of the preserve is Tunk Mountain, a 1,157‑foot peak that offers “Alpine‑like” terrain, granite ledges and sweeping views of the Downeast coast. The Tunk Mountain Trail takes hikers from Salmon Pond and Mud Pond to the high points on the summit ridge, while the Hidden Ponds Trail, which branches off midway, loops between Salmon Pond and Little River Pond. Together, the two blue‑blazed trails total about five miles and run entirely within the Tunk Lake Ecological Reserve.
The reserve protects the Tunk Mountain Pluton, an extensive intrusion of igneous rock that is one of Maine’s most distinctive geological features. The area also contains three rare ecological communities: a raised‑level bog, a low‑elevation bald, and a lower‑elevation spruce‑fir forest.
From the southeastern slopes of the mountain, hikers can see Catherine Mountain, Caribou Mountain, Spring River Lake, and several “hidden ponds” such as Mud, Salmon, Little Long and Tilden. The vista expands further up to Pigeon Hill on Petit Manan Point and the Gulf of Maine. At the summit ridge, a bronze plaque marks the site of Monument Vista, commemorating Harold Pierce—whose family donated the land in 1994—by honoring his conservation vision.
Beyond the summit, the trail enters the Nature Conservancy’s Spring River Preserve, which, together with the adjoining Spring River–Narraguagus Forest, safeguards an additional 23,500 acres of ecological reserve. Although the main trail bypasses the true summit, a short detour over the crest leads to a massive granite slab on the north face that offers a 180‑degree view to the north, encompassing Lead Mountain, Passadumkeag Mountain, the hills around Amherst, and even Katahdin on clear days.
Donnell Pond – A Hub for Water and Wilderness
Donnell Pond itself is a deep body of water surrounded by steep walls. Paddlers, campers, and hikers alike flock to the pond, especially in summer. The main trailhead is on the Schoodic Beach trail, accessed from U.S. Route 1 via Maine Route 183 and the Schoodic Beach Road.
From the beach, several trails head toward the pink granite summits of Schoodic Mountain (1,079 ft) to the west and Black Mountain (1,009 ft) to the east. The Caribou Loop is a challenging six‑mile circuit that climbs both Black Mountain summits, passes the remote Rainbow Pond outlet, and traverses cliffs on Caribou Mountain (970 ft). For those willing to add extra mileage, a side trail leads to Redman’s Beach on Donnell Pond.
Walk‑in campsites line the sandy beach at the pond’s southern end, while more remote sites along Donnell Pond, Tunk Lake and Spring River Lake can be reached by canoe, kayak or boat. The preserve’s management stresses “Leave No Trace” practices to keep these sites pristine for all visitors.
A Trail for All Seasons
A 15‑mile network of trails winds through the southern sector of the preserve, and a 85‑mile Down East Sunrise Trail segment also crosses the property. The Sunrise Trail is open to motorized recreation, but hikers and mountain bikers often favor the stretch along the south side of Schoodic Mountain, which passes near the scenic Schoodic Bog.
Donnell Pond Public Land is open year‑round, offering winter walks through quiet, snow‑blanketed woods that provide a unique Maine wilderness experience. For maps, trail descriptions and up‑to‑date conditions, visitors can consult www.parksandlands.com.
A Legacy of Conservation
The land that now comprises Donnell Pond Public Land reflects a long‑standing commitment to conservation. In 1994, the family of Harold Pierce donated the Tunk property to the state, and the subsequent dedication of the monument at Monument Vista underscores the area’s importance to Maine’s natural heritage.
With its blend of rugged mountains, serene water, rare ecological zones and a network of well‑blazed trails, Donnell Pond Public Land remains a hidden gem for those seeking adventure away from the crowds.
