Basin Pond Trails directory

Basin Pond Trails is a 4-mile multi-use trail system on the town land east of Basin Pond in Monroe, Maine. The trails are open for hiking, mountain biking, cross country skiing, and snowshoeing, depending on the season. Good starting points for mountain bikers include Logger Road, Fogg Trail, The Ledges, Round the Mountain, and the southern portion of the Shore Trail.

Natural features of this area include Basin Pond, a pristine 29-acre pond nestled between the hills and eskers halfway between Monroe and Brooks. The Marsh Stream flows just to the south of the pond. Eagles, beavers, muskrats, and various species of ducks can frequently be seen along the shores of the pond and the stream.

Directions: From the village of Monroe, drive 3.5 miles west on Route 139. As you crest the hill, look for the “Butterfly Tree” on the left and then continue another 50 yards. Turn left into the grassy parking area. Look for orange flagging and (set back from the road) a “Basin Pond Trails” sign.

First Visit? We recommend hiking in on the relatively level Hemlock Trail (follow the blazes). This will take you to “The Ledges” area on the shore of Basin Pond after about 0.5 miles. From here you can continue on the “Shore Trail.” The simplest most direct return route is to retrace your steps via the Shore Trail and Hemlock Trail.