HIKE ME
boat EXPLORE BY
CANOE OR KAYAK ON MAINE’S MANY LAKES AND PONDS STORY & PHOTOS BY AISLINN SARNACKI
MOVING HIS PADDLE slowly through the water, a canoeist propels his boat forward, over lily pads and spears of pickerelweed. Dragonflies dart over the calm surface of the pond. Now and again, one lands on the gunwales of the boat to rest. The lone paddler hugs the shore where there’s a chance he’ll spot wildlife. Inlets, outlets, islets and wetland areas all present opportunities to see something new. Just ahead, for example, a painted turtle basks in the sun atop a half-submerged log. As the boat draws near, the creature silently slides into the water to hide within a mass of aquatic plants. Peering down into the shallows, the canoeist tries to catch a glimpse of the turtle’s round shell, but all he sees are the lacy fronds of bladderwort and a school of small, glittering fish. Around every bend of the shore, a new scene unfolds. In some areas, the water’s edge is lined with camps and cabins. In others, trees crowd undeveloped stretches of shoreline, where the paddler might spot an eagle or kingfisher perched on a branch. Maine is home to about 6,000 lakes and ponds, many of which are accessible for the public to explore by boat. These bodies of freshwater are home to a diversity of wild creatures, from majestic great blue herons to lodge-building beavers. You’re bound to spot something that fascinates you. “The Maine Atlas and Gazetteer” by Delorme is a great resource for finding lakes and ponds in your area, along with the location of any public boat launches. Here are a few popular paddling spots you might want to try out.
