Leave No Trace

The 7 Leave No Trace principles were developed for wilderness areas exactly like North Maine Woods — remote, ecologically sensitive, and shared by many visitors. Here is how each principle applies specifically to NMW.

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare

Proper planning prevents the kind of desperate improvisation that damages the backcountry. In NMW, preparation is especially important because services are nonexistent once you pass the checkpoint.

• Register and pay fees at the checkpoint — cash or check only at most gates
• Check road conditions before your trip; spring mud season can close roads entirely
• Know your campsite type — authorized sites have fire rings and outhouses; fire permit sites have neither
• Bring all water you need or a reliable filter — there is no potable water
• Pack enough trash bags to carry out everything, including food scraps
• Download offline maps and GPS files — there is no cell service

2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces

NMW has over 130 designated campsites. Always use established sites rather than creating new ones. The region's lakes and bogs are home to fragile ecosystems that take decades to recover from damage.

• Camp only at designated sites — do not create new clearings or tent pads
• Stick to existing roads and trails when driving and hiking
• Avoid walking on fragile lakeshores, moss beds, and bog edges
• When paddling, land canoes and kayaks at established access points
• Drive only on maintained logging roads — do not pioneer new ATV or truck trails

3. Dispose of Waste Properly

Waste disposal in NMW requires more planning than typical campgrounds because there are no services at all.

• Pack out all trash, leftover food, and litter — double-bag to contain odors
• Strain dishwater and pack out the food particles; scatter strained water at least 200 feet from any water source
• Use biodegradable soap sparingly and always at least 200 feet from lakes and streams

Human Waste

Authorized campsites have outhouses. At fire permit sites, you must dig a cathole.

• Dig catholes 6–8 inches deep, at least 200 feet from water, trails, and campsites
• Pack out all toilet paper in a sealed bag — it does not decompose quickly in Maine's acidic soils
• Cover and disguise the cathole when finished

4. Leave What You Find

North Maine Woods has a rich logging and industrial history dating back to the 1800s. Old dam foundations, log driving artifacts, and historic camp remnants are scattered throughout the forest. These are irreplaceable pieces of Maine heritage.

• Do not remove or disturb historic artifacts from the logging era
• Leave rocks, plants, and natural features as you find them
• Do not carve, nail, or damage live trees — they are private property of the landowners
• Do not build structures, furniture, or lean-tos from natural materials
• Avoid introducing non-native species — clean gear and boats before entering

5. Minimize Campfire Impacts

Campfire management is one of the most important Leave No Trace skills in NMW. The rules depend on your campsite type and current fire danger conditions.

• At authorized sites, use only the provided steel fire ring
• At fire permit sites, a free Maine Forest Service fire permit is required before building any fire
• Use only dead and downed wood — never cut standing trees, alive or dead
• Keep fires small and burn wood completely to white ash
• Extinguish fires with water, not dirt — dirt insulates coals and they can reignite
• Consider a camp stove as your primary cooking method — it works regardless of fire restrictions

6. Respect Wildlife

NMW is home to moose, black bears, loons, bald eagles, and dozens of other species. Observing wildlife is one of the great rewards of visiting — but only if done responsibly.

Moose Safety

• Observe from a distance of at least 50 feet — never approach or follow
• Never position yourself between a cow moose and her calf
• Bulls are unpredictable during rut season (September–October)
• Drive slowly at dawn and dusk when moose are most active on roads

Bear Food Storage

• Store all food, coolers, and scented items away from your tent
• Hang food from a tree (10 feet up, 4 feet from trunk) or use a bear-resistant container
• Cook and eat at least 100 feet from your sleeping area
• Pack out all food waste — do not bury or scatter scraps
• Clean up cooking grease and food residue thoroughly

For detailed wildlife safety information, see our Safety & Emergency Preparedness Guide.

7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors

Many people visit North Maine Woods specifically for the solitude and quiet. Being considerate of others preserves the experience that makes this place special.

• Keep noise levels low, especially after dark — sound carries far over water
• Use generators sparingly and only during reasonable daytime hours
• Respect the space of neighboring campsites — do not cut through occupied sites
• Yield to paddlers and anglers on the water — give them plenty of room
• Keep dogs under control at all times; clean up after them
• During hunting season, be aware of nearby hunters and communicate your presence