Posted in Maine by Michelle

This Short Hike In Maine Leads To One Of New England’s Only Glacial Erratics, A Fascinating Relic Of The Ice Age

Hiking trails in Maine can be found everywhere. That’s one of the lucky things about living here! But at the same time, with so many trails to choose from it can be overwhelming to make plans for a day outside. That’s why we try to cull together as many great options as possible. Ranging from short to long, easy to more challenging there’s really is something for everyone — and those who enjoy a little bit of geological history will love this hike!

We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/

Daggett Rock, located in Phillips, is accessible using a fairly short trail. TryppAdams / TripAdvisor At just .6-miles, this is a great route for folks who appreciate the destination more than the journey! Healthy Community Coalition / Maine Trail Finder That's because this destination is very, very cool! TryppAdams / TripAdvisor Daggett Rock is considered the largest glacial erratic in Maine, and it's among the largest in the entire world! Rebecca L / TripAdvisor An erratic is a fancy way of referring to a rock left by glaciers away from its original bedrock. Geologists believe that Daggett Rock was actually brought all the way from Saddleback Mountain in Rangeley. That's a journey of about 12 miles! Barry528 / TripAdvisor Daggett Rock is about 8,000 tons, measures 80 feet long, 30 feet wide and 25 feet high. And can you believe that what's visible above ground is only a small part of the entire rock? Ken Gross / Maine Trail Finder Another cool feature of this erratic is that it's split down the middle, allowing for a short path to cross it. Rebecca L / TripAdvisor An old legend says that the split was made in the 1800s when a local woodsman found the rock while drunk during a huge storm. The story says he got angry, climbed to the top and began yelling obscenities. TryppAdams / TripAdvisor In anger, the heavens opened and lightning came down to split the rock! Is this true? Probably not.



Scientists actually say the split was created back when the rock was left here during the last ice age. But it is funny to think about someone yelling at the top!

Daggett Rock and the trail are managed by the Phillips Historical Society, which you can learn more about here.

To enjoy more outside time consider escaping the entire world on the secluded Mountain Loop trail in Maine.