Chains of Ponds

By America's State Parks Editorial TeamMay 8, 2026 · Updated May 17, 2026

🏆 Benedict Arnold Route — Chain of pristine ponds on Arnold’s 1775 march to Quebec — one of the most dramatic military expeditions in American history

Chains of Ponds is a public reserved lot encompassing a chain of pristine mountain ponds along the Canadian border — the same route Benedict Arnold’s army followed during their legendary 1775 march to attack Quebec. Arnold led 1,100 men through this trackless wilderness in October and November, battling freezing rain, starvation, and near-impossible portages. Only 600 survivors reached Quebec. The ponds remain virtually unchanged since Arnold’s army passed through — surrounded by boreal forest with no development.

Visitor Information

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened on Arnold’s march?

In September 1775, Benedict Arnold (before his treason) led 1,100 soldiers through the Maine wilderness to attack Quebec. The 350-mile march through trackless forest killed nearly half the force from starvation, exposure, and drowning. It remains one of the most grueling military expeditions in American history.

What was Arnold’s march to Quebec?

In September 1775, Benedict Arnold led 1,100 soldiers through the Maine wilderness to attack Quebec City — a 350-mile journey through unmapped forests, swamps, and rivers. The expedition was a disaster — boats leaked, food ran out, men ate candles and shoe leather. Only 600 reached Quebec, where the attack failed. Arnold was later wounded at Saratoga (hero) before defecting to the British (traitor).

Nearby parks: If you have extra time, Dead River is within about an hour’s drive, and Holeb is within about an hour’s drive.

About Chains of Ponds

Chains of Ponds is a public reserved land encompassing a chain of connected ponds along the historic Arnold Trail — the route Benedict Arnold’s ill-fated 1775 expedition followed through the Maine wilderness to attack Quebec. The ponds sit in a remote valley near the Canadian border, surrounded by boreal forest of spruce and fir.

Things to Do

Canoeing the chain of connected ponds, fishing for brook trout, camping (remote sites), hiking along the historic Arnold Trail route, moose watching, and fall foliage viewing. The area is one of Maine’s most remote accessible locations.

Insider Tips

Benedict Arnold route: Chains of Ponds marks part of Benedict Arnold’s 1775 march through the Maine wilderness to attack Quebec — one of the most grueling military expeditions in American history. Pro tip: Arnold’s 1,100 soldiers dragged 200 bateaux through swamps, rapids, and portages in autumn — hundreds died or turned back. Remote Maine: This area near the Canadian border remains one of the most remote corners of the eastern US.

Best Time to Visit

Summer: Canoeing and fishing. Fall: Remote Maine foliage. Winter: Snowmobile trails. Spring: Ice-out and spring fishing.

Wildlife & Nature

Chains of Ponds — a series of connected ponds in the remote western Maine mountains near the Canadian border. The area’s boreal forest, ponds, and streams support moose, loons, black bears, and brook trout. This was part of Benedict Arnold’s 1775 march to Quebec.

Nearby Attractions

Chain of Ponds — along Route 27. Quebec border — 10 miles north. Eustis — 15 miles south.

About the Author

America's State Parks Editorial Team

America's State Parks is an independent online guide to state parks and other public lands in the United States. Our editorial team compiles park profiles from official agency and operator sources and other identified references, and follows our published editorial policy and review methodology. Where a profile shows a source-check date, that date applies to the detail it names. We correct errors when we find them or when readers report them.

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