Alton, Maine

Wooded crossroads between Bangor and Old Town

Overview

Alton sits north of Old Town off I-95, with large forest parcels, streams, and scattered farms. Residents enjoy a quiet setting while commuting easily to Bangor-area jobs and the UMaine campus. Club-maintained sled and ATV trails cut through the woods, and nearby ponds invite ice [fishing](/activities/ice-fishing) when the marshes freeze.

Key Facts

Population 890

Region Maine Highlands

County Penobscot

Founded 1845

Nearest City Old Town (10 minutes)

Town Office Visit official website

What Alton Is Known For

Alton Local Highlights

Rural privacy

Large wooded lots and low traffic close to the metro core.

Wetland habitat

Pushaw Stream marshes offer birding and wildlife viewing.

Campus access

Quick trip to the University of Maine and Orono services.

Easy commuting

I-95 access keeps Bangor, Old Town, and Orono close.

Things to Do

Paddle local waters

Explore quiet stretches of Pushaw Stream and nearby ponds.

Ride local trails

Snowmobile and ATV club routes weave through surrounding woods.

Visit Orono

Enjoy dining, concerts, and sports at UMaine.

Ice fish in winter

Set traps on nearby ponds once conditions allow; check the /guides/ice-fishing-guide for regulations.

Living in Alton

Alton combines seclusion with a short drive to Bangor-area hospitals, shopping, and the university. Most errands are handled in Old Town or Orono, and many homes rely on private wells, wood heat, and plowed gravel roads.

Weather & Seasons

summer

Warm, 70-80 F

winter

Cold, 0-25 F with steady snow

spring

Cool and muddy, 38-55 F

fall

Crisp, 45-60 F with vibrant foliage

Local Wildlife & Nature

Waterfowl and herons in Pushaw Stream marshes Moose tracks along logging roads Beaver and otter in wetland edges

How to Get There

Located off I-95 Exit 197; follow Route 16/43 and Bennoch Road between Old Town and LaGrange.

Satellite preview shows the approximate town outline to help you get oriented before you arrive.

Satellite preview

Alton outline

Outdoor Recreation

ATV Riding

Late Spring - Late Fall

Fishing

Year-round (Open water & Ice fishing)

Hunting

Fall & Winter (varies by species)

Snowmobiling

Winter (December - April)

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do residents shop?

Most groceries, hardware, and dining are in [Old Town](/towns/old-town) or [Orono](/towns/orono), with Bangor malls 20 minutes south via I-95.

Can you launch boats locally?

Hand-carry access exists on Pushaw Stream and nearby ponds; larger ramps are at Pushaw Lake and the Penobscot River in Old Town.