Piscataquis County, Maine
Piscataquis County is Maine’s second-largest county by area. Despite its size, it’s the least populous county in the state. It’s a wild and rugged place, covering a huge stretch of north-central Maine.
The county’s name comes from an Abenaki word meaning “branch of the river.” Speaking of rivers, the county offers some of the best whitewater rafting in New England on the Penobscot and Kennebec rivers.
Moosehead Lake, the largest lake in Maine, is here too. It’s a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Hikers come to Baxter State Park to tackle Mount Katahdin, the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Piscataquis County |
| County Seat | Dover-Foxcroft |
| Etymology | Named after the Abenaki word “Peske’te’gwas,” meaning “branch of the river” |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Dover-Foxcroft, Greenville, Milo, Guilford, Brownville, Sebec, Monson, Abbot, Shirley, Sangerville, Bowerbank |
| Interstates and Highways | US-6, ME-11, ME-15, ME-16, ME-23, ME-150 |
| FIPS Code | 23-021 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 4,378 square miles (3,961 sq mi land, 417 sq mi water) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Aroostook County (North), Penobscot County (Southeast), Somerset County (West) |
| Time Zone | Eastern Time Zone (ET) |
| State | Maine |
| Coordinates | 45.3973° N, 69.3776° W |
| Major Landmarks | Moosehead Lake, Baxter State Park, Gulf Hagas, Katahdin Iron Works, Mount Kineo, Borestone Mountain, Appalachian Trail |
| Population | Approximately 16,000 |
PHYSICAL MAP
Piscataquis County Topographic Map
Piscataquis County is Maine’s wild heart. Yep, it’s a rugged stretch of mountains, forests, and lakes. The southern end features some gentle hills, but the terrain quickly rises into the craggy peaks of the Hundred-Mile Wilderness. Zoom in to explore all the details with our topographic map below.
SATELLITE IMAGERY
Piscataquis County Satellite Map
In our satellite map, you’ll see that Piscataquis County is heavily forested, with only narrow logging roads cutting through the wilderness. Moosehead Lake stands out with its irregular shape, stretching nearly 40 miles. The few towns appear as tiny clearings along the rivers, but they’re barely visible beneath the towering trees.
OUTLINE MAP
Piscataquis County Blank Map
The county has a roughly rectangular shape with a narrow pinch near the center. It lies entirely within Maine and sits close to the Canadian border.
Maine County Maps
Maine County Map
Life moves at the pace of the tides here. One day might be spent hiking forest trails, and the next watching fog roll over quiet harbors. Discover what makes each county special with our Maine county maps.