Monson Cabin Day Hiking

In the summer of 1990, under the direction of BOC director emeritus Jim Lentz, a group of Bowdoin students and alumni designed and built a cabin in Monson, Maine.

group of 3 students in front of a waterfall

Nestled at the edge of the Hundred Mile Wilderness, the rustic Bowdoin Outing Club Monson Cabin gives you direct access to some of Maine’s most remote and beautiful stretches of the Appalachian Trail. During the day, you'll explore local trails and swimming holes. At night, you’ll return to the cabin to cook meals, play games, and enjoy the comforts of four walls and an outhouse.

This outpost of the BOC is situated along the Appalachian Trail for easy access to a wide range of hiking trails. This section of the AT is the start of the Hundred Mile Wilderness, known for its rugged beauty and remoteness.

The cabin is already equipped with a lot of group gear (pots, pans, bowls, cutlery, etc.), but look at the packing list to see what you should bring! See Cabin Packing List. Items that can be borrowed or purchased from the BOC are marked on the packing list.

If there is anything in the trip description or equipment list that you have questions about, please do not hesitate to contact us at (207) 725-4292 or bocOtrips@bowdoin.edu.

Sample Itinerary:

Wednesday

Depart from Bowdoin in the morning.
Afternoon: Arrive at the cabin, settle in, and choose your group’s adventure—hiking, swimming, exploring, or relaxing.

Thursday & Friday, August 28–29
These days are flexible! Your group might do any one or all of the following activites during your trip

Stay at the cabin and go to North Pond and hike along the AT.
Hike Borestone Mountain (~4 miles – amazing 360 views of the surrounding area)
Go for a swim at Big Wilson Falls.
Go to Lily Bay State Park and swim.

Saturday, August 30

Clean up the cabin before leaving for Bowdoin. Return gear and borrowed equipment and help with the deissue process before returning to your dorm.