The Best Lakes in Maine
Whether you are a native of Maine or you are planning a trip to the beautiful state, you will find that there are a number of different lakes to explore in Maine. Some of the most popular lakes in the state include Long Lake, Megunticook Lake, and Range Pond State Park. In addition, there are a number of other lakes that you can explore, including Cobbosseecontee Lake, Fernald’s Neck Preserve, and Flagstaff Lake. Whether you are looking to find a place to swim, relax, or even fish, there is a lake out there that will meet your needs.
Cobbosseecontee Lake
Whether you are searching for a quiet place to relax or a place to enjoy the outdoors, Cobbessee Lake in Maine is a great place to spend a weekend. This 5,500-acre lake is home to a variety of fish, including largemouth bass, brook trout, chain pickerel, and yellow perch.
Cobbosseecontee Lake in Maine is one of the larger lakes in the state. It has a maximum depth of 100 feet, with a shoreline that extends for 62 miles. It is a popular spot for boating, fishing, and swimming.
There are also numerous islands to explore. The only freshwater landlocked lighthouse in the state of Maine is on the lake’s northern edge, known as Ladies’ Delight Light. The lighthouse has an incredible view.
For more than a century, steamboats and other vessels have traveled to the lake. The water is also home to a variety of bird species, including Osprey, Great Blue Heron, and Least Bittern. Some of the more aggressive creatures to be found in the lake include snapping turtles.
For the most part, Cobbosseecontee Lake is a quiet, picturesque spot. The lake is home to many year-round homes and vacation rentals. There are also many trails around the lake.
Flagstaff Lake
Located in Franklin County, Maine, Flagstaff Lake is an inland lake with a length of 30 miles and a surface area of over 20 acres. It is surrounded by the Bigelow Mountain Range. It is a popular destination for both recreational and adventure enthusiasts.
It is also a part of the Northern Forest Canoe Trail, which runs through several states, including Maine and New Hampshire. It is an historic 740-mile water-trail.
Flagstaff Lake offers many water-access campsites. These are located at six boat launches. The lake is also known for its abundance of wildlife. It is home to several species of fish, including brook trout, brown bullhead, salmon, American eel, and white sucker.
During the summer months, the lake is home to rainbow trout. In the spring, visitors can enjoy the area’s abundance of landlocked salmon. Rapala spoons are also popular spring fishing lures.
There are also a number of public beaches on the lake. Flagstaff Lake is a popular destination for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. It is also an ideal spot for photography.
The lake is home to numerous wildlife species, including American black duck, ring-necked duck, mourning dove, bald eagle, and sharp-sinned hawk.
Megunticook Lake
Mooselookmeguntic Lake is a popular destination for fishermen and other outdoor enthusiasts. Located in the Rangeley region of Maine, the lake is named after the Abnaki word for moose feeding place. The lake has 90 kilometers of shoreline. It is also one of the largest lakes in the state.
The lake also serves as a public water supply for nearby towns. Aside from fishing, it is also home to a variety of other recreational activities. The lake has two isolated sandy beaches on the northeast shore, perfect for swimming. It is also an ideal place for seaside picnics.
One of the more impressive features of Megunticook Lake is its spectacular cliffs on the eastern shore. This area is home to the Ladies Delight Light, marking the northern part of an underwater reef running through the lake. The lake has numerous inlets and short hiking trails. It is also surrounded by scenic views and delicious local cuisine.
The Western Shore Preserve offers wilderness camping. The lake also has the highest concentration of smallmouth bass in Maine. The Appalachian Trail runs along the lake’s edge. It is also home to six advanced trails.
Cochnewagon Lake
Whether you’re looking to relax by the lake, play a round of golf, or go on a water skiing adventure, Cochnewagon Lake has something for everyone. The 410-acre lake is a popular water sport and offers fishing and swimming, as well as camping and real estate.
The lake is ideal for warmwater fish and is a popular destination for both locals and visitors. It’s also an excellent area for water skiing and snowmobiling. There’s even a boat ramp to help you reach your destination.
Cochnewagon Lake is also close to several shopping centers. It’s a great place to retire or just enjoy the outdoors. You can also explore nearby bowling alleys. The area is also home to an 18th century wooden fort.
A short drive from the lake is Popham Beach State Park. The park offers a great surf spot as well as several picnic areas and swimming spots. It also offers top-notch sea kayaking.
Cochnewagon Pond is also a popular fishing area. There are several fishing spots and a boat ramp, and the area hosts an annual children’s ice fishing derby.
There are also many other lakes to explore in Maine. The state is home to over 6,000 lakes, many of which are beautiful.
Long Lake
Located in Bridgton, ME, Long Lake is one of the premier lakes in Maine. Known for its natural beauty, Long Lake is a popular recreation spot, and there are several things to do in the area.
In addition to its beautiful lake, Long Lake is home to several species of wildlife. Loons are common residents, and visitors can view them from the shoreline. Other wildlife to see includes ring-necked ducks, blue jays, and mourning doves.
Long Lake is connected to Sebago Lake through Songo Locks in Naples. A paddleboat named the Songo River Queen makes frequent trips between the two lakes.
Another noteworthy thing to do in the Long Lake area is to try snowmobiling. There are several different trails to try. There is also a town-owned beach called Barrett’s Cove.
Other popular activities include hiking and camping. There are a few museums in the area, including the Conway Historical Society Museum and the Portland Harbor Museum. The area is also home to several summer camps, as well as many hiking trails.
There are also several state parks that offer recreational activities. There are also several waterfalls in the area. The Megunticook Falls, in particular, is a lovely spot for a picnic.
Fernald’s Neck Preserve
Whether you want to swim, kayak, fish, explore the shore, or just relax, there are many great lakes in Maine. The state’s lakes are no less idyllic than its rugged coast, but they are less touristy. They also offer easy access and wilderness kayaking experiences. Here are some of the best lakes in Maine.
The Fernald’s Neck Preserve is located nine miles west of Millinocket. This preserve protects nearly three miles of shoreline on a large peninsula at the north end of Megunticook Lake. Its 285 acres are surrounded by thick stands of mature hardwoods, mosses, and mushrooms. It is also home to bald eagles. It is open for “careful day use.”
Located in the northeast region of Maine, the Fernald’s Neck Preserve covers roughly three hundred and sixty-one acres. The area is dominated by mature hardwoods and thick stands of hemlock. It’s a relatively untrayed area. It’s a great place for family activities. The Orange Trail is an easy walk, while the Blue Trail is a moderate hike. Whether you’re looking to hike, canoe, or kayak, you’ll love the views at this lake.
The Mooselookmeguntic Lake is a large lake located in the Rangeley region of Maine. It’s part of the Androscoggin River watershed. It’s 60 feet deep and covers 25 square miles. It’s also home to 17 species of fish. The Appalachian Trail runs alongside the lake.
Range Pond State Park
Located in Poland, Maine, Range Pond State Park offers a variety of recreational opportunities. The park is open every day from nine a.m. until sunset. The park’s amenities include a picnic area, a sandy beach, and a hard top boat launch.
The park features a network of trails that closely follows the shoreline of Range Pond. These trails are groomed for easy walking in winter, and are also open for snowshoeing.
The park is open year-round, and features picnic tables, a ball field, and a group shelter. During the summer, the park fills to capacity. A carry-in/carry-out policy is in place.
The park also offers a sand beach swim area, with lifeguard supervision. A picnic area, playground, and cross bars are also available. The playground features a zip-runner, several slides, and toddler swings.
A small mountain biking trail is also available at Range Pond State Park. This trail is accessible by the state park road entrance. This trail is a multi-use trail that includes a scenic overlook. The trail is moderate and can be used for walking, jogging, and cycling. The trails are built and maintained by volunteers.