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Benedicta, Maine

Forestry town on the Penobscot River

Overview

Benedicta is a quiet town along the East Branch of the Penobscot River, where logging and small-scale farming have sustained families for generations. The town provides access to excellent hunting and fishing in the surrounding forestlands and serves as a staging area for North Woods adventures.

Key Facts

Population 205
Region Aroostook
County Aroostook
Founded 1901
Nearest City Sherman (10 minutes)

What Benedicta Is Known For

Benedicta Local Highlights

Catholic Settlement History
Founded in 1834 by Bishop Benedict Fenwick, who purchased the township to establish a Catholic colony—originally known as "Catholic Township."
East Branch Penobscot River
This legendary river flows through town, offering world-class canoeing, fishing, and access to the heart of Maine's North Woods.
Forestry Heritage
For generations, logging has been the lifeblood of Benedicta, with the Penobscot serving as the historic highway for driving logs to mills downstream.
North Woods Gateway
The town sits at the edge of the vast unorganized territories, providing access to some of Maine's most remote wilderness.

Things to Do

1
Paddle the East Branch Penobscot
The river offers excellent canoeing and kayaking, from flatwater stretches to more challenging sections upstream toward the Katahdin region.
2
Fish for Brook Trout and Salmon
The cold waters of the East Branch and its tributaries support healthy populations of native brook trout and landlocked salmon.
3
Hunt in the North Woods
The surrounding forests offer excellent hunting for white-tailed deer, moose, black bear, and upland game birds.
4
Snowmobile the Trail Network
Winter brings riders through Benedicta on their way to wilderness camps and the extensive Aroostook County trail system.
5
Explore Logging History
Evidence of the logging era remains throughout the area, from old river-driving dams to abandoned logging camps in the surrounding woods.

Living in Benedicta

Benedicta offers affordable rural living with easy access to Sherman and Patten for basic services. The community is tight-knit, with many families tracing their roots back generations to the original Catholic settlers. There are no stores in town, but the slower pace and connection to the land appeal to those who value a simpler life. Schools are in nearby towns.

Weather & Seasons

summer

Warm and pleasant, 65-78°F

winter

Very cold with deep snow, 0-22°F

spring

Cool and wet, 32-52°F

fall

Crisp and colorful, 38-58°F

Local Wildlife & Nature

White-tailed deer Moose Black bear Bald eagles Brook trout Landlocked salmon Ruffed grouse

How to Get There

Benedicta is located on Route 157 in southern Aroostook County, accessible from Interstate 95 via Sherman (Exit 264). The town is about 90 minutes north of Bangor.

Satellite preview shows the approximate town outline to help you get oriented before you arrive.

Satellite preview

Benedicta outline

Outdoor Recreation

Camping

May - October

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Bishop Benedict Fenwick?

Benedict Fenwick was the Catholic Bishop of Boston who purchased this township in 1834 intending to establish a Catholic colony and college. The town is named in his honor. While the college never materialized, the Catholic community he founded persisted.

Is Benedicta part of Aroostook County?

Yes, though it was originally part of Penobscot County. When Aroostook County was created in 1839, Benedicta became part of the new county.

Can I access Baxter State Park from Benedicta?

Benedicta provides indirect access to the Katahdin region. The East Branch Penobscot flows from the wilderness areas near Baxter, and the town serves as a base for North Woods exploration.

Nearby Towns

Explore More

Aroostook Region Seasonal Guide Wildlife & Nature