The Awesome Hike In Maine That Will Take You Straight To An Abandoned Train

Maine has some pretty cool hikes with gorgeous views. From beach vistas to mountain top peaks, if you love the outdoors there's lots to do outside. But, one of our favorite hikes comes with a different reward! Rather than a mile-long view of the scenery, this one leads to the most interesting abandoned final destination. These rusting and decaying relics of the past have come to be known as Maine's ghost trains. Where did they come from and how did they get there? Read on to find out about what sights await on this eerie hiking trail to these fascinating abandoned trains in Maine.

When we say these trains are hidden, we truly mean it.

To find them, you'll need to head about two hours north of Millinocket.

As you get closer, you'll approach the Allagash Wilderness Waterway.

This is where you'll need to check-in and pay a fee to continue.

But, it's incredibly beautiful!

Once the road ends, plan on hiking about an hour down a fairly easy to navigate path.

Depending on when you go, the lush forest canopy will feel eerie. But you'll know you're on the right path when you start to see signs of locomotives - like railroad tracks in the middle of the woods.

And soon, you'll see things like wheels begin to appear along the way.

In addition to the hidden locomotives, you'll also see the remains of a steam engine system.

This steam engine dates back to the early 1900s.

Continue on past this and you'll arrive at the locomotives, sitting peacefully and serene.

During the early 1900s, this area of Maine was supplying about 20% of the country's paper and wood products.

The rivers in the area were used to help transport the logs by acting as their own roadway.

The trains came in when lumber needed to move South into nearby towns.

Today, the locomotives themselves, as well as track laying equipment and the like, sit decaying in the trees. And yet, despite eerie hike to get here, there's something absolutely beautiful about this decaying slice of Maine history. Don't you think?

Experience this hike first-hand, courtesy of YouTube user FLORB:

Have you ever hiked to the "ghost trains of Maine"? Are there any other neat hikes or sights in the area that you'd recommend? Let us know!

Please be sure to tread lightly, and leave this beautifully eerie place as you found it. 

For another fun hiking trail in Maine that leads to a unique abandoned structure, check out this hike in Cape Elizabeth that leads to an abandoned mansion. And speaking of mansions, why not stay in one on your next adventure? This gorgeous home in Newry, Maine overlooks the river, has its own private pond, and boasts all of the games, luxuries, and creature comforts you could hope for.