2 months ago
Don Carrigan lives and reports in Midcoast Maine and has travelled to all corners of the state. These days, he is also known as the man who brought the world Togus, the STORM CENTER cat.
South Branch Pond, Baxter State Park
Everybody loves Katahdin, but this is my favorite spot in Baxter State Park. South Branch Pond is in the northern end of the park. Travel beyond Medway on I-95, and follow the signs and exits to Patten. Then follow the signs to the park's north entrance. This is a pretty remote campground, so bring everything with you. No big RV's or campers. Tents, some pop-ups and a few lean-to's. You make reservations through Park headquarters in Millinocket (207-723-5140), and if you want a campsite with a water view you need to reserve it early in the year. But wherever you are at South Branch Pond is worth it. Beautiful views of the pond and mountains, great hikes for all exertion levels, and paddling and fishing on the pond. You can rent a canoe or bring your own. If you want to get away from it all, this is the place.
Damariscotta River
I think the midcoast tidal rivers are the most beautiful places in Maine. The Damariscotta is at the top of that list. The river stretches about 13 miles, is clean and spectacular in every season and almost every weather. Great for kayakers and boaters...but in a boat, pay attention to the tide and the chart!! There are hiking trails at Dodge Point on the River Road in Edgecomb. There are also some trails at the University of Maine's Darling Center research lab in Walpole. There are kayak rentals in Damariscotta and at Christmas Cove, at the mouth of the river. And this is a working waterway, too - lobstermen fish here, and there are a dozen oyster farms. There are also eagles and ospreys and seals and plenty of other wildlife. There's also great history of the area, both natural and man-made. You can find out a lot more at the Damariscotta River Association.
Sheepscot Village
This little village in the town of Newcastle is a jewel. The village is simply a cluster of mostly old homes along the tidal Sheepscot River. But it is beautiful, and well worth a drive through. Try to time it at or near high tide, and in June or September, when the sunlight turns the fields and marsh grass that magic green. This is also a fine, quiet place for paddling a canoe or kayak, and is only a few miles upriver from Wiscasset. Take Route 218 from Wiscasset or turn off Route 1 in Newcastle onto the Sheepscot Road. And please drive slowly through the village. There is no reason to hurry.
Pemaquid Point
A major tourist attraction already, of course, but still one of the best, and mostly unspoiled. This is one of the oldest lighthouses in the country, and one of the most photographed. It's also easy to get reach -just take Route 130 out of Damariscotta and keep going until the road stops. The lighthouse is now a park, operated by the Town of Bristol, and the light tower itself is maintained by the American Lighthouse Foundation. You can walk all around the grounds, visit the Fishermen's Museum in the keeper's house, and on some days can climb the tower. There is also a great art gallery in the park. But the real attraction is the spectacular view. Sit on the rocks and watch the waves, walk the rocks and the little rocky beach - but be very careful, because the rocks can be slippery! You can also stroll the nearby road that loops around the point. On sunny days - and stormy ones - you may have to share this place with other visitors. But it's still worth the trip.
Bucks Harbor Shopping Mall
Not what you might think. The Bucks Harbor Shopping Mall is a little coffee shop and store in the village of Bucks Harbor in Washington County. Everyone who lives in or visits Maine needs to go to Washington County, and when you do, turn off Route One in Machias, head toward Machiasport and Bucks Harbor. The Shopping Mall is a little place, but the food's good and the ladies at the counter will usually make you feel welcome.
