Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Duckpuddle Pond, Waldoboro
Most of the ponds and streams in the Mid-Coast area were long ago de-
veloped, but Duckpuddle Pond and its outlet stream to Pemaquid Pond
seem as remote as any in northern Maine. Access the pond where the out-
let stream flows under the Duckpuddle Road. The 300-acre pond, with its
lily pad-choked inlet and quiet shores, is to the north. The two-mile outlet
steam - which flows south - is also worthy of exploration.
Megunticook Lake, Camden
Located literally in Camden's backyard, Megunticook Lake offers fun
paddling from a variety of put-in locations. There are launch ramps on
the north side on Route 52, on the south on Route 105 and at the north
there is a hand-carry site on
Norton Pond
, which connects to the main
lake. Although there are numerous camps and year-round homes on
Megunticook, it still has a wilderness flair.
There are many small islands to explore as well as a large nature pre-
serve in the center of the lake at
Fernald's Neck
. From almost any spot
on the lake you'll have great views of Camden Hills and the spectacular
Maiden Cliffs.
Orrs Island
The Orrs and Bailey islands and Harpswell areas are a sea kayaker's de-
light. There are numerous coves and ledges to explore along the narrow
peninsulas which stick far out into the Atlantic. More than a dozen public
boat launch ramps are available, providing sheltered paddling when the
wind is coming from nearly any direction.
Basin Cove Falls
in
Harpswell is a popular tidal reversing rapid popular with kayakers. Be-
tween Orrs and Bailey islands a unique causeway made up of interlaced
granite blocks allows the strong tidal currents to ebb and flow. Kayakers
also like to visit the numerous offshore islands, including
Eagle Island
,
a preserve which protects the cliff-top home of polar explorer Adm. Rob-
ert Peary (see page 189).
St. George River
Once proposed for the site of a canal and freight railroad, the St. George
River is now allowed to run free through bucolic rolling hills impeded
only by the occasional abandoned dam. Trips of up to 30 miles are possi-
ble, depending on water levels. There is also a popular canoe race on the
St. George each spring. The 21-mile section from
Woodman's Mills
,
which begins on Route 173, contains a mixture of Class I and II rapids,
flat water and an occasional portage around old dams or tricky channels
