Monson is a small town in Maine, with a population of 609 according to the 2020 census. It was incorporated in 1822, and named after Monson, Massachusetts. Monson is primarily known for its slate quarries and it being the last town before the 100 mile wilderness on the Appalachian Trail. Today it has become something of an artist's town featuring galleries and several restaurants while still catering to thru hikers of the AT.

Hike in on the Appalachian Trail.

The primary road into Monson is Route 6, sometimes referred to as Route 15. This road goes directly through town and eventually leads to Greenville.

• Monson Historical Museum, Greenville Rd. June to mid-October: W 10AM-2PM, Sa 9AM-3PM, also by appointment. A small local museum in the same building as the Appalachian trail center. Run by volunteer, and is a 501-3(C) non-profit organization. Free, donations welcome. (updated Jul 2025)
• Monson Area Veterans Memorial. a Memorial to the 659 men and women who served in the armed forces from or are buried in Monson. (updated Aug 2025)

Hike on the AT, which used to go through town, but now bypasses on a ridge 2 miles west.

• Borestone Mountain Audubon Sanctuary (Borestone Mountain), Bodfish Valley Rd, Elliotsville, ☏ +1 207 781-2330. Park open dawn to dusk, Visitor center 9AM-3PM daily during the summer. Borestone has four trails each offering amazing views and open dependent on time of year and weather conditions. These trails include the 1.1 mile Base trail which crosses an access road several times on the way up to the visitor center, the Summit trail (1 Mile to west peak, and 1.3 miles to east peak), Fox Pen Loop Approx. 0.5 miles, and the Peregrine Trail (0.5 miles). Always check with the visitor center to make sure the trail is open. Suggested $5 non-member adult; $3 non-member student, seniors, and school groups; free for members and children under 6. (updated Jul 2025)

There is one little gas station in town that sells stuff.

• Poet's Gear Emporium, 13 Pleasant St, ☏ +1 207 997-3597, [email protected]. June to October: daily 8-11AM & 2-5PM. A Ultra light hiking gear store run by the same family that owns and operates Shaw's Hostel. They offer new gear, gear repairs and shake downs as well as resupplies of food and other essentials. (updated Aug 2025)

• Spring Creek BBQ, 26 Greenville Rd, ☏ +1 207 997-7025. Th-Sa noon-7PM, Su 11AM-5PM. (updated Jul 2025)
• The Quarry, 15 Tenney Hill Rd, ☏ +1 207 997-3486, [email protected]. Tu-Sa 6-10PM. The Quarry is a 2023 James Beard Award-winning restaurant offering 5-course seasonal meals, and a curated wine list. From $100. (updated Jul 2025)
• Monson General Store (The General Store), 12 Greenville Rd, ☏ +1 207 997-3800. Monson General store has a deli in the back where you can order hot and cold sandwiches and salads, and an ice cream shop out back. They also sell general goods including food staples and knick-knacks. They have indoor and outdoor seating, although the indoor seating could be called close quarters. (updated Aug 2025)

• Turning Page Farm Brewery, ☏ +1 207 876-6360. F 4PM-7PM, Sa-Su noon-6PM. Locally owned goat farm that has a small brewery attached. They off Vegetarian and Gluten free menu options and are Dog friendly. (updated Aug 2025)

• Shaw's Hiker Hostel, 17 Pleasant St, ☏ +1 207 997-3597. Hostel and resupply depot for the AT. They offer several styles of accommodations as well including private and shared rooms. They will also receive resupply packages for thru hikers to pick up, as well as laundry and onsite Wi-Fi. A good place to stop before or after the 100 mile wilderness. 
• Lake Shore House, 9 Tenney Hill Rd, ☏ +1 207 997-7069, [email protected]. Hostel, laundry, pub. They also offer shuttles from the trail head into town. 

Monson is known for its slate mines and quarries. Many of them are out of use and flooded now. If you are going to be nearby these abandoned quarries, be aware that they can be hard to self-rescue out of. Recovery attempts can be hard or impossible due to water conditions in the quarries and challenges around draining them. Do not jump into unknown quarries, and never swim alone.