Haynesville

Haynesville is a small community located in southeastern Aroostook County, Maine. The town sits at an elevation of 371 feet and covers a total area of 41.90 square miles, with 41.38 square miles of land and 0.52 square miles of water. It borders Glenwood Plantation to the west and Weston to the east. Those planning a trip or move can use this guide to learn about Haynesville Maine.

Community Demographics

At the 2020 census, Haynesville had a population of 97, down from 121 in 2010, which marks a 19.8% decrease. Census data recorded 56 households in 2010, while American Community Survey estimates reported 68 households and an estimated median age of 55.5 years.

Municipal Services and Local Government

Haynesville is governed by an elected Selectboard consisting of Craig Clifford, Brenda Mclaughlin, and Tory Rouse. The board holds public meetings on the second Tuesday of each month at 6:00 pm. The Town Office is housed in a relocated historic schoolhouse at 16 Danforth Road, Haynesville, ME 04497, and can be reached by phone at 207-448-2239. The office lists operating hours from 7:00 am to 2:30 pm.

Key municipal officials and town services include:

• Town Clerk: Aaron Zufelt
• Code Enforcement: Bruce Hussey serves as the Code Enforcement Officer and Licensed Plumbing Inspector.
• Fire Department: The Haynesville Volunteer Fire Department is led by Fire Chief Steven Rouse and operates from 16 Danforth Road.
• Roads: Town road maintenance and oversight are managed under Road Commissioner Paul Rouse.
• Law Enforcement: Police calls and non-emergency law enforcement are handled by the Aroostook County Sheriff's Office.
• Trash Collection: Weekly curbside rubbish pickup is provided to taxpayers on Wednesdays through Ireland's Rubbish.
• Cemetery: Riverside Cemetery is located within the town.

The town uses the postal ZIP code 04497.

Education

Haynesville is a member town of Maine School Administrative District No. 70 (MSAD 70 / RSU 70), based in Hodgdon, and holds one seat on the district school board. Local public school students attend:

• Mill Pond School: Located in Hodgdon, serving grades PK through 6.
• Hodgdon Middle / High School: Located in Hodgdon, serving grades 7 through 12.

High school students have access to technical and career training at Region Two School of Applied Technology in nearby Houlton. Adult education courses and postsecondary certificates are available through Houlton Hodgdon Adult and Community Education in partnership with institutions including Northern Maine Community College.

Transportation and Travel

U.S. Route 2A runs directly through town, connecting northeast toward Houlton and southwest toward Macwahoc. Driving northeast along Route 2A leads approximately 25 miles into Houlton, the county's shire town. The nearest general aviation facility is Houlton International Airport (KHUL), located roughly 25 miles northeast. Public transit and demand-response rides are offered throughout the area by the Aroostook Regional Transportation System (ARTS).

The stretch of Route 2A through town travels through the Haynesville Woods, an area known for sharp turns and winter driving hazards. This road inspired the 1965 country song "A Tombstone Every Mile," written by Dan Fulkerson and recorded by Dick Curless, and the surrounding woods have a folklore tradition of ghost stories and phantom hitchhikers.

Outdoor Recreation and Waterways

The Mattawamkeag River flows through the town, and its mainstem begins in Haynesville where the East Branch and West Branch meet. The river is used locally for fishing and canoeing, while the surrounding Haynesville Woods offer wildlife viewing. Paddlers use two distinct routes through the area:

• East Branch Route: A 20-mile paddle route passing through town that features flat-water stretches alongside river pitches ranging from Class II to Class IV depending on water levels.
• Haynesville to Wytopitlock: A route starting in Haynesville that follows a steady current through wide sections and maple swamps.