WRITTEN BY STEPHANIE BOUCHARD
Being out on the water in Maine is one of the joys of the warmer months, and flatwater kayaking is a great way to do that. But where to go? Here are a few great spots to go flatwater kayaking according to Chris Francis, a Penobscot National Tribal Guide, and Danielle Dorrie, a Registered Maine Guide, co-owners of Skyline Maine Adventures and Kayak Rentals in Hampden, and Amanda Page, a Registered Maine Guide and owner of Hick Chick Maine Adventures, a Plymouth-based guiding service.
Eagle Lake
Part of Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island, Eagle Lake is a great spot to spend an afternoon or the day kayaking, Page said.
“It’s not the true Acadia feel of an overcrowded area,” she said.
You’ll need a park pass. No people or pets are allowed in the water because the lake provides drinking water for Bar Harbor. Go to the National Park Service’s website for details on regulations and passes. The small parking area for the boat launch is located off Rt. 233 on the north end of the lake.
Hermon Pond
A quiet place for a great late afternoon or sunset paddle and to see and hear loons is Hermon Pond, said Dorrie and Francis. It’s also a popular spot for families to go fishing. For a daylong experience, Dorrie and Francis recommend paddling the pond and entering quiet Souadabscook Stream, which connects to the lake about a quarter mile north of the boat launch. The boat launch is located at Jackson Beach on Jackson Beach Road, off Newburgh Road, in Hermon. Parking is plentiful at the launch.
Hirundo Wildlife Refuge
Located in Old Town, Hirundo offers access to Pushaw Stream and Dead Stream and is a fantastic place to see wildlife, said Page, including bald eagles, loons, and beavers. Pets and motor boats are not allowed. There’s a visitor center with plenty of parking, a boat launch, and a porta-potty.
If you don’t have a kayak, on Saturdays, you can reserve one for free. The center also offers a number of guided kayak tours. There are three entrance gates; go to Gate 3, at 35 Hudson Rd., in Alton, for river access and equipment rentals, Page said. Visit hirundomaine.org for more information.
Penobscot River, Hampden
When people think of being on the Penobscot, what comes to mind is whitewater rafting, but there are many places along the 100-plus-mile river that are much calmer. One of those places is from the boat launch in Hampden, next door to Skyline Maine Adventures and Kayak Rentals.
“I lived in this area way before I met Chris, and I was like, ‘I won’t get on the river. I’m terrified of the river. I’ll get swept away.’ . . . but it’s not even close to that,” Dorrie said.
“It’s usually very calm and very low, easy current,” said Francis, which makes it easy to enjoy all the wildlife, including bald eagles, osprey, turtles, and fish, including striper, bass, and sturgeon. Near the boat launch at 100 Marina Rd., there are public restrooms, a restaurant, and plenty of parking.
Plymouth Pond
Off Route 7 in Plymouth, Plymouth Pond is a great place for beginning kayakers, said Page. It’s shallow and quiet and no matter where you are in the water, you can see your car in the parking area so you won’t get lost out on the water. At a leisurely pace, you can be on the water for about three hours, and you might see herons, loons, and ducks. Pets and swimming are allowed. A causeway splits the pond into two areas. You can kayak under the bridge to reach the other side of the causeway, where it’s more marshy, Page said.
