Overview
Monson is a small town in Maine, with a population of 609 according to the 2020 census. It was incorporated in 1822, and named after Monson, Massachusetts. Monson is primarily known for its slate quarries and it being the last town before the 100 mile wilderness on the Appalachian Trail. Today it has become something of an artist's town featuring galleries and several restaurants while still catering to thru hikers of the AT.
2 sights · 1 things to do · 3 places to eat · 1 bars & cafés · 2 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Monson
Borestone Mountain Audubon Sanctuary
Borestone has four trails each offering amazing views and open dependent on time of year and weather conditions. These trails include the 1.1 mile Base trail which crosses an access road several times on the way up to th…
Monson Area Veterans Memorial
a Memorial to the 659 men and women who served in the armed forces from or are buried in Monson.
Monson Historical Museum
A small local museum in the same building as the Appalachian trail center. Run by volunteer, and is a 501-3(C) non-profit organization.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: May–Sep. Summer highs reach about 79°F; winter lows dip to about 15°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb, Dec) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Oct and Nov. (climate data from nearby Acadia National Park)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- BGR Bangor International Airport, Bangor — 47 mi away. Directions
- AUG Augusta State Airport, Augusta — 68 mi away. Directions
- PWM Portland International Jetport, Portland — 120 mi away (major hub). Directions
Hike in on the Appalachian Trail.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Monson Area Veterans Memorial, Borestone Mountain Audubon Sanctuary
- Lunch Spring Creek BBQ
- Afternoon Monson Historical Museum
- Dinner The Quarry
- Evening Turning Page Farm Brewery
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Get in
Hike in on the Appalachian Trail.
The primary road into Monson is Route 6, sometimes referred to as Route 15. This road goes directly through town and eventually leads to Greenville.
Get around
There is no public transportation in Monson like much of northern Maine. Once you're in town you'll need to walk, drive or ride to traverse the area. Most if not all of main street has sidewalks and is wheelchair accessible.
See
Do Monson Historical Museum
A small local museum in the same building as the Appalachian trail center. Run by volunteer, and is a 501-3(C) non-profit organization.
See Monson Area Veterans Memorial
a Memorial to the 659 men and women who served in the armed forces from or are buried in Monson.
Do
Hike on the AT, which used to go through town, but now bypasses on a ridge 2 miles west.
See Borestone Mountain Audubon Sanctuary (Borestone Mountain)
Borestone has four trails each offering amazing views and open dependent on time of year and weather conditions. These trails include the 1.1 mile Base trail which crosses an access road several times on the way up to the visitor center, the Summit trail (1 Mile to west peak, and 1.3 miles to east peak), Fox Pen Loop Approx. 0.5 miles, and the Peregrine Trail (0.5 miles). Always check with the visitor center to make sure the trail is open.
Buy
There is one little gas station in town that sells stuff.
Eat
Eat The Quarry
The Quarry is a 2023 James Beard Award-winning restaurant offering 5-course seasonal meals, and a curated wine list.
Eat Monson General Store (The General Store)
Monson General store has a deli in the back where you can order hot and cold sandwiches and salads, and an ice cream shop out back. They also sell general goods including food staples and knick-knacks. They have indoor and outdoor seating, although the indoor seating could be called close quarters.
Drink
Drink Turning Page Farm Brewery
Locally owned goat farm that has a small brewery attached. They off Vegetarian and Gluten free menu options and are Dog friendly.
Sleep
Stay Shaw's Hiker Hostel
Well-known hostel and resupply depot for the Appalachian Trail, offering private and shared/bunkhouse rooms plus shuttle service. Onsite amenities include laundry, Wi-Fi, and a full resupply store stocked with trail food and gear. They'll also hold resupply packages for thru-hikers to pick up. A popular last stop to rest, shower, and stock up before or after the Hundred Mile Wilderness.
Stay Lake Shore House
Hostel, laundry, pub. They also offer shuttles from the trail head into town.
Stay safe
Monson is known for its slate mines and quarries. Many of them are out of use and flooded now. If you are going to be nearby these abandoned quarries, be aware that they can be hard to self-rescue out of. Recovery attempts can be hard or impossible due to water conditions in the quarries and challenges around draining them. Do not jump into unknown quarries, and never swim alone.
Go next
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