Hike the Seboeis Riverside Trail

The Seboeis River flows alongside the trail.

NPS / R.Wang

The Seboeis Riverside Trail covers 7.2 miles along the Seboeis River. It is an out and back trail, so expect to hike 14.4 miles round-trip if you plan to hike the entire length of the trail. Enjoy the scenic views and notice the sounds of the river and forest on your hike. Remember to pack in your own water to stay hydrated. There is no potable water available on the trail. 

Trail Details 

The Seboeis Riverside Trail has multiple access points. For the most direct and convenient access, start at Grand Pitch Trailhead (located just off Grand Lake Road) to find a designated parking lot and trailhead information. The only vault toilet is across Grand Lake Road by the picnic area. Other access points to the trail are in the Seboeis Parcel of Katahdin Woods and Waters NM (South Trailhead and Seboeis Connector Trail).

Follow the directions below to the access points within Katahdin Woods and Waters NM. There are no facilities in the Seboeis Parcel and the roads are uneven and unmaintained. A high clearance vehicle is recommended.

Getting to the trailhead by American Thread Road: 

• Enter the Seboeis Parcel by American Thread Road. Caution: Logging trucks always have the right of way. 
• Once you are on American Thread Road, continue for approximately 6.5 miles until you reach Grondin Road. As you drive north on American Thread Road, you will pass signs for Kimball Deadwater and Twin Ponds. 
• Turn left at the junction onto Grondin Road and continue on for approximately 2 miles.
• At the junction, turn left onto Philpott Bridge Access Road. Continue for approximately 2.9 miles to reach the Seboeis Connector Road. Continue on the gravel road by veering right at the junction to travel onto the Seboeis Connector Road.
• Continue on the gravel road and continue approximately 0.9 miles to find an unmarked open dirt parking area on your left. GPS coordinate: 46.07524,-68.63554. * There is a connector trail to the north of the parking area. The connector trail provides a direct access to the Seboeis Riverside Trail.

Trail access: 

• After parking in the dirt parking area, you can either start the hike at the south end of the trail, or, take the connector trail to meet up with the Seboeis Riverside Trail.  
• To reach the south end of Seboeis Riverside Trail, carefully walk back down the Seboeis Connector Road to the junction with Philpot Bridge Access Road. Turn right at the junction and hike south approximately 0.5 miles towards the Seboeis River. The trailhead will be on your right before you reach the river. Note: Philpott Bridge and areas west of the Seboeis River are not within the boundaries of Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument.
• To follow the Seboeis Connector Trail to meet Seboeis Riverside Trail, hike approximately 500ft north past the parking area and turn left when you see a clearing. Hike west towards the river to meet the Seboeis Riverside Trail. 
• Suggestion: If you are short on time and prefer a loop hike, form a loop by starting at the parking area and take the Seboeis Connector. When you get to the Seboeis Riverside Trail, turn left and hike south towards Philpott Bridge. At the end of the trail, turn left (away from the bridge) and hike uphill for approximately 0.5 miles. Turn left and hike approximately 1 mile north-west to bring you back to the parking area. 

Details

Duration

0-7 Hours

Hike a portion of the trail, or hike the whole distance. The amount of time depends on how you would like to experience it. This is an out and back trail, so make sure to plan accordingly.

Activity

Hiking

Pets Allowed

Yes with Restrictions

All pets must be on a 6ft leash.

Activity Fee

No

Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.

Location

Seboeis Riverside Trail Trailheads

Access the trail by:

• Grand Pitch Trailhead (North): Just off of Grand Lake Road. 46.14329,-68.63293
• Philpott Bridge Trailhead (South): Located in the Seboeis Parcel. 46.06183,-68.62390 Parking for the Philpott Bridge Trailhead is North-West of the trailhead at 46.07530, -68.63552

Reservations

No

Season

The trail is opened for snowshoe use during the winter.

Accessibility Information

The trail surface is mostly composed of dirt and gravel, with areas of exposed roots and rocks. There is a small wooden footbridge that crosses over a small stream. Depending on conditions, the trail may be muddy. There is no toilet or facilites in the Seboeis Parcel, but there is a vault toilet available for use at the north end of the trail (Grand Pitch Trailhead) near Grand Lake Road.