Tucked deep into the North Maine Woods of Aroostook County, Telos spans nearly 23,000 acres of rugged, remote wilderness that feels a world away from everyday life. This state park sits at the heart of Maine’s legendary backcountry, where the Allagash Wilderness Waterway and a network of lakes, streams, and logging roads offer some of the most unspoiled outdoor experiences in the northeastern United States.

Telos is defined by water. Telos Lake and the surrounding watershed draw paddlers for canoe and kayak trips that can stretch for days along interconnected waterways. Anglers come for native brook trout fishing in cold, clear streams that have changed little over centuries. The surrounding boreal forest — dense with spruce, fir, and birch — supports moose, loons, and bald eagles in abundance. Wildlife sightings here aren’t a bonus; they’re practically guaranteed.

Hiking and hunting are popular in season, and winter brings opportunities for snowmobiling and cross-country skiing along groomed trails that wind through the backcountry. The area’s remote location also makes it one of the darkest spots in the eastern U.S., ideal for stargazing on clear nights.

The best time to visit is late June through September, when bugs have subsided and weather is most cooperative. Come prepared — this is genuine wilderness with limited services. Cell coverage is sparse, and the nearest town is a long drive on unpaved roads.

Telos rewards those willing to make the trip with solitude, natural beauty, and a pace of life dictated entirely by the landscape.

Explore Nearby

• St. John Valley Cultural Byway/Fish River Scenic Byway — Scenic Byway in Maine
• Schoodic Scenic Byway — Scenic Byway in Maine
• Watson Settlement Bridge — Covered Bridge in Maine
• Union Falls Bridge — Covered Bridge in Maine
• Ram Island Light — Lighthouse in Maine