In 2007 when my brother and I were hiking the Rangeley area sections of the AT, we were hiking from ME4 to ME27. We got to our planning camping spot early and foolishly decided to hike a few more hours while there was daylight. We thought, surely we will find a flat spot where we can stealth camp. Well there are no flat spots anywhere in that area. It was almost dark when we crossed Orbeton Stream and climbed up to, and discovered the SR&RL road bed, which was well used by ATV traffic. Needless to say, we were happy to find, and camped on the ROW. Where the AT crosses the SR&RL is a really beautiful spot, but rough hiking on the AT. Walking the old ROW is much easier.
Interestingly, the AT map doesn't show the ROW. Google Maps list the ROW in that section as Railroad Rd, and further North as Navy Road.
What does the Navy use that section of the Maine woods for?
Bill