Places to paddle

Damariscotta River

The Damariscotta River, really more of a long, narrow, salt water bay, offers semi-sheltered paddling all the way from downtown Damariscotta to East Boothbay and South Bristol. Lovely forests and graceful saltwater farms line the shores. On the western shore, about three miles south of the boat launch ramp in Damariscotta is the Dodge Point Preserve with its attractive sand and pebble beaches and its hiking trails. About 10.5 miles out there is a campsite on Fort Island, which also boasts the remains of a small fortification. Watch the tidal currents throughout this area as they are strong enough to pull navigation buoys underwater at times. The best sheltered takeout on the south end of this trip is in South Bristol at the east end of “The Gut.”

Duckpuddle Pond, Waldoboro

Most of the ponds and streams in the Midcoast area were long ago developed but Duckpuddle Pond and its outlet stream to Pemaquid Pond seem as remote as any in northern areas. Access the pond where the outlet 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-ins. 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 numerous small islands to explore as well as a large nature preserve in the center of the lake at Fernald’s Neck. From almost any spot on the lake there are great views of Camden Hills and the spectacular Maiden Cliffs.

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 possible 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 Class II rapids, flat water and an occasional portage around old dams or tricky channels through broken dams. A good place to take out is at the picnic area on Route 235 in Union at Seven Tree Pond.