Gulf Hagas, National Natural Landmark in Bowdoin College Grant East Township, Maine.
Gulf Hagas is a protected natural landmark in Maine featuring a slate gorge carved by the Pleasant River over thousands of years. Multiple waterfalls pour into the canyon, creating a dramatic landscape that visitors explore on foot along the rim.
Loggers historically used the gorge to transport timber downstream to Katahdin Iron Works and paper mills during Maine's industrial era. This trade shaped how the landscape was used and moved through communities for decades.
Archaeological excavations near Gulf Hagas uncovered Red Paint People burial sites containing red ochre, dating back 7,500 years.
The rim trail stretches for 8 miles and requires crossing the Pleasant River, so come prepared for wet feet and rocky terrain. Plan a full day for this hike, as it demands physical fitness and careful footing.
Eastern white pines in the nearby Hermitage section reach towering heights of up to 150 feet among the canyon walls. These ancient trees form part of an old-growth forest that has survived for centuries without significant disturbance.
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