Hikes & Brews: Gulf Hagas and Bissell Brothers Three Rivers

Gulf Hagas features a wild stretch of the Pleasant River’s West Branch, rugged walls of slate, and no less than six beautiful waterfalls.

Gulf Hagas is a spectacular gorge on the west branch of the Pleasant River in the heart of the 100-Mile Wilderness between Greenville and Brownville Junction. This three-mile stretch of river, designated a National Natural Landmark, drops 400 feet beneath rugged walls of slate and features no less than six beautiful waterfalls. Affectionately known as the “Grand Canyon of Maine,” a trek into the Gulf is one of the state’s bucket list adventures. A complete loop from the east via the Appalachian Trail, the Rim Trail, and the Pleasant River Tote Road is eight miles, so come prepared for a solid day in the woods, including a ford of the Pleasant. Gulf Hagas can also be accessed from the west by crossing a bridge and hiking in on the Head of the Gulf Trail. The Gulf is within the KI Jo-Mary Forest, so hikers must pay a fee (cash or check only) at the gate and travel on gravel logging roads to the trailhead.

The vibe at Bissell Brothers Three Rivers is welcoming, laid-back and family-friendly, just what you’d expect in rural Piscataquis County.

Back on pavement, head south to Milo where the Piscataquis, Sebec, and Pleasant Rivers converge. That’s where you’ll find the aptly named Bissell Brothers Three Rivers* housed in an old snowmobile dealership. Opened in 2018, the brewery and taproom are a nod to siblings Noah and Peter Bissell’s hometown and beautifully complement their original and wildly popular location at Thompson’s Point in Portland. The Milo location features many of the same great draft offerings (the flagship Substance IPA tops the list, of course) along with a hiker-satisfying menu of good eats from the kitchen (think delish burgers, chicken, BBQ, salads, and tasty sides). The vibe is welcoming, laid-back, and family-friendly—just what you’d expect in rural Piscataquis County. Relax with your brew indoors or outside next to the refurbished century-old caboose, where there’s a covered patio and picnic tables.