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Grand Falls Township, Maine

Former plantation on the East Branch Penobscot

Overview

Grand Falls Township sits along the East Branch Penobscot River in northern Penobscot County. Originally organized as a plantation in 1840 from Township 2 North Division, the community maintained local government until 1981 when it surrendered organization to become part of Maine's unorganized territory. Today about 42 people live amid vast commercial forestland.

Key Facts

Population 42
Region Maine Highlands
County Penobscot
Founded 1840
Nearest City Millinocket (40 minutes)

What Grand Falls Township Is Known For

Grand Falls Township Local Highlights

East Branch Penobscot River
The 75-mile East Branch Penobscot flows through Grand Falls, providing exceptional canoeing, kayaking, and fishing in one of Maine's most significant undammed river corridors.
Plantation to Township Transition
Grand Falls was organized as a plantation in 1840, with the southern portion added in 1884. The community surrendered its organization in 1981, becoming part of Penobscot County's unorganized territory.
Undammed River System
The East Branch Penobscot is the longest river in Maine with effectively no regulation of its flow by dams, making it ecologically significant and valuable for recreation.
Gateway to Katahdin Region
Grand Falls provides backcountry access to the greater Katahdin wilderness, with the East Branch serving as a historic canoe route into the North Woods.

Things to Do

1
Paddle the East Branch
The East Branch Penobscot offers multi-day canoe and kayak trips through pristine wilderness, following a route used by Native Americans and loggers for centuries.
2
Fish for Native Brook Trout
The cold, clean waters of the East Branch and its tributaries support healthy populations of wild brook trout in one of Maine's most remote fishing destinations.
3
Hunt the North Woods
The surrounding forests provide exceptional hunting for moose, deer, and bear, with far less pressure than more accessible areas.
4
Snowmobile to Remote Destinations
Winter opens trail access through Grand Falls, connecting to the regional network and remote sporting camps.
5
Experience River Wilderness
The combination of undammed river and vast forestland creates wilderness character that has largely disappeared from the eastern United States.

Living in Grand Falls Township

Grand Falls Township has essentially no permanent services—the approximately 42 residents live in scattered locations, relying on Millinocket and Medway for all necessities. After surrendering plantation organization in 1981, Grand Falls became part of Maine's unorganized territory with services provided by the county and state. Property here tends to be seasonal camps rather than year-round residences, used by those seeking backcountry access rather than conventional community life.

Weather & Seasons

summer

Warm days, cool nights, 60-76°F

winter

Very cold with heavy snow, -10 to 20°F

spring

Cool and wet, 25-48°F

fall

Crisp and brief, 30-52°F

Local Wildlife & Nature

Moose Black bear White-tailed deer Brook trout Bald eagles Beaver Loons

How to Get There

Grand Falls is accessed via logging roads from Millinocket or the Katahdin region. The East Branch Penobscot provides water access for paddlers. Local knowledge and proper preparation are essential.

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

Satellite preview

Grand Falls Township outline

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Grand Falls surrender its plantation status?

In 1981, with a small and declining population, residents voted to surrender plantation organization. The community became part of Penobscot County's unorganized territory, with the county and state providing basic services.

Can you canoe through Grand Falls?

Yes. The East Branch Penobscot flows through the township and offers excellent multi-day paddling opportunities. The river is undammed and flows naturally, creating classic North Woods canoeing conditions.

What was the township's original name?

Before organization as Grand Falls Plantation, the area was designated Township No. 2 Northern Division, Bingham's Penobscot Purchase (T2 ND BPP).

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Maine Highlands Region Seasonal Guide Wildlife & Nature