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Brighton, Maine

Wilderness plantation near Moosehead

Overview

Brighton is one of Maine's most remote organized communities, located in the forests north of Moosehead Lake. The plantation is known for its abundant moose population and pristine wilderness character.

Key Facts

Population 62
Region Kennebec Valley
County Somerset
Founded 1816
Nearest City Greenville (30 minutes)

What Brighton Is Known For

Brighton Local Highlights

Moose Country
Brighton sits in the heart of Maine's moose territory, with some of the highest moose densities in the eastern United States.
Week's Pond
A square-mile pond near Brighton Centre that provides fishing, wildlife viewing, and a scenic focal point for the plantation.
Wesserunsett River Falls
Near the village center, the river drops 30 feet in just four rods, historically powering the area's mills.
Historic Mill Heritage
Brighton once supported sawmills, shingle machines, and flour mills—remnants of a more populous past when farming and forestry drove the local economy.

Things to Do

1
Moose Watching at Dawn and Dusk
The boggy areas and forest edges around Brighton are prime moose habitat. Early morning and evening offer the best viewing opportunities.
2
Fish Week's Pond
This scenic pond offers bass, pickerel, and perch fishing in a peaceful setting away from crowds.
3
Explore Old Farm Roads
Miles of old roads through the woods lead to cellar holes, stone walls, and remnants of 19th-century farms that once dotted this landscape.
4
Snowmobile the Trail Network
In winter, groomed trails connect Brighton to the vast snowmobile network serving the Moosehead region.
5
Hunt the North Woods
The surrounding forestlands offer excellent deer, moose, and bear hunting, drawing sportsmen each fall.

Living in Brighton

Brighton is not a place for those who need conveniences. There are no stores, gas stations, or services in the plantation—the nearest amenities are in Skowhegan or Greenville. Residents are typically drawn by affordable land, privacy, and access to wilderness. The population has fluctuated dramatically over the decades, from farming families in the 1800s to today's handful of year-round residents.

Weather & Seasons

summer

Warm days, cool nights, 65-75°F

winter

Extremely cold, heavy snow, 0-20°F

spring

Very muddy, late arrival, 30-45°F

fall

Early winter, brief color, 30-45°F

Local Wildlife & Nature

Moose White-tailed deer Black bear Beaver Loons Bald eagles

How to Get There

Brighton is accessed via Routes 150, 151, and 154 from surrounding towns. The village of Brighton Centre sits where Routes 151 and 154 meet. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for some back roads, especially in mud season.

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

Satellite preview

Brighton outline

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Brighton become a plantation instead of a town?

Brighton was incorporated as the town of North Hill in 1816, renamed Brighton in 1827. As population declined in the late 1800s, the town surrendered its organization in 1895 and reformed as a plantation—a simpler governmental structure better suited to small populations.

What happened to all the farms in Brighton?

Like many interior Maine communities, Brighton's farming population peaked in the mid-1800s. As agriculture consolidated and young people moved to cities, farms were abandoned. Today, stone walls and cellar holes in the woods are all that remain of dozens of homesteads.

Is Brighton a good place to see moose?

Yes. The boggy terrain, mixed forests, and low human population make Brighton excellent moose habitat. Drive slowly at dawn and dusk, and watch the roadside edges and wetland areas.

Nearby Towns

Explore More

Kennebec Valley Region Seasonal Guide Wildlife & Nature