Calais Ridge Fire Tower Circuit
Three fire towers across Washington County ridges
Calais Ridge Fire Tower Circuit links three Depression-era fire towers across 24 miles of Washington County’s most rugged terrain, offering commanding views of Passamaquoddy Bay and the Canadian Maritimes. The route follows abandoned CCC roads built in the 1930s, climbing Devil’s Head Mountain (elevation 1,424 feet) where the restored steel tower provides 360-degree views spanning from Mount Katahdin to Grand Manan Island. Rocky ledges and steep grades challenge drivers between Baring Hill and Red Beach Mountain towers.
This is a difficult trail demanding experienced 4WD operation and rock sliders for the granite ledges on Devil’s Head approach. Mud season (April-May) makes sections impassable. Best run July through early October when blueberries ripen along the ridgelines. No permits required but notify border patrol if camping near the Canadian boundary. Primitive sites exist near each tower, though water must be packed in. The payoff is some of Maine’s most spectacular border country vistas and genuine fire tower history.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Rock |
| Features | Camping, High Altitude, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 24 mi / 38.6 km |
| Duration | 2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 1424 ft |
| Best season | July-October |
| Minimum vehicle | 4WD with rock sliders |
| Nearest town | Calais, Maine |
| Land manager | Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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