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All the United States Maine Millinocket Pockwockamus Rock
AO Edited

Pockwockamus Rock

This nature mural exists to protect the surrounding environment and its own canvas from destruction.

Millinocket, Maine

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Mike Walker
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Pockwockamus Rock   mikewalker / Atlas Obscura User
A wide view of the pulloff.   mikewalker / Atlas Obscura User
Katahdin from a little further down the road.   mikewalker / Atlas Obscura User
Pockwockamus Rock   mikewalker / Atlas Obscura User
Pockwockamus Rock   mikewalker / Atlas Obscura User
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Driving into Baxter State Park, visitors may notice a huge colorful boulder on the side of the road. The rock is painted with a classic outdoor scene depicting streams, trees, wildlife, and the famous Katahdin peak rising in the background. The scene is emblazoned with a message that admonishes viewers to “Keep Maine Beautiful.” This is, of course, applicable to most forms of environmental destruction. The message can also be interpreted as a response to the vandalism the rock has seen over the years. 

Pockwockamus Rock was first scouted as a canvas for artistic expression by local graffiti artists, who used it mainly to display initials or expletive messages. It became an eyesore to the thousands of visitors to the state park. Finally, in 1979, a group of teenagers from the local Youth Conservation Corps decided that something had to be done. They repainted the rock with a beautiful outdoor scene and a plea to keep all Maine spaces, not just this one, beautiful.

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Environment Nature Art

Know Before You Go

Pockwockamus Rock is located by the entrance to the Penobscot Outdoor Center. There’s little to no data reception in this area, so download directions ahead of time if you need them.

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mikewalker

Published

August 2, 2021

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  • https://bangordailynews.com/2021/03/18/act-out/this-is-one-rock-every-mainer-should-visit/
  • https://www.facebook.com/137570599714810/posts/history-of-poc-rock/1752681678203686/
Pockwockamus Rock
Baxter Park Rd
Millinocket, Maine, 04462
United States
45.799044, -68.894444
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Nearby Places

Mount Katahdin

Millinocket, Maine

miles away

Katahdin Iron Works

Brownville, Maine

miles away

Gulf Hagas

Monson, Maine

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Millinocket

Millinocket

Maine

Places 2

Nearby Places

Mount Katahdin

Millinocket, Maine

miles away

Katahdin Iron Works

Brownville, Maine

miles away

Gulf Hagas

Monson, Maine

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Millinocket

Millinocket

Maine

Places 2

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