Paddling Archives - Fit Maine

“This park is an island:” Kayak + camp at Warren Island State Park in Penobscot Bay

Shannon Bryan — Sun, 28 Mar 2021 00:19:21 +0000

More than once, as you’re booking your campsite or simply perusing the campground info online, you’ll be reminded: “This park is an island.” It’s an appreciated heads-up for folks who might not realize that they’ll need their own boat (paddle-powered or motorized, your choice) to get to Warren Island State Park. I wonder how many […]

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Kayaking Old Saco River + Kezar Pond in Fryeburg (with views of the White Mountains!)

Shannon Bryan — Fri, 25 Sep 2020 18:50:28 +0000

Covered bridge, winding river, and a wide-open pond with a sandy beach to picnic on and the white mountains as a backdrop. This paddle has all the things.

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Lily pads + carnivorous plants at Holt Pond Preserve in Bridgton

Shannon Bryan — Fri, 07 Aug 2020 12:36:48 +0000

Holt Pond Preserve is a scenic and quiet place with an impressive diversity of terrain. You can wander through forest, follow the boardwalk through bog, paddle your kayak through the lily pads crowding the Muddy River, and watch the sun dip behind the hills from Holt Pond. This cool preserve in Bridgton is managed by […]

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Island swimming hole: Cool off in a quarry on Green Island in Stonington Harbor

Shannon Bryan — Thu, 06 Aug 2020 00:56:00 +0000

In 2016, Down East Magazine published a story highlighting 12 spectacular Maine swimming holes. They all sounded enticing, but one in particular really captured my attention: Green Island, with its swimmable quarry, not far off the coast of Stonington. I made a promise to kayak there, follow the trail to the quarry, and spend a […]

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Paddling Southern Maine: 10 beginner-friendly places to kayak and SUP

Shannon Bryan — Mon, 27 Jul 2020 11:09:51 +0000

Sandy Moore and Kimberlee Bennett, authors of "Paddling Southern Maine," were kind enough to share some of their favorite paddles - from coastal routes to easy-going rivers.

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Sunset and full moon canoe tours on the Scarborough Marsh with Maine Audubon

Shannon Bryan — Sun, 12 Jul 2020 16:56:13 +0000

During a sunset or full moon canoe tour on the Scarborough Marsh, you'll get a sunset (and maybe a moon rise) on the water, in a canoe, at a place that's supremely scenic and filled with all sorts of marsh wildlife, with a knowledgeable guide who can name all the birds and the fish and even point out some planets in the night sky.

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Kayaking Chauncey Creek through the Rachel Carson Wildlife Refuge in Kittery

Shannon Bryan — Tue, 12 May 2020 20:35:36 +0000

During a fall paddle on Chauncey Creek in Kittery, were greeted by marsh grass, an audience of trees, and the easy-going tidal waters of the salt marsh as we navigated through the Rachel Carson Wildlife Refuge toward Brave Boat Harbor.

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Full Moon Paddle at Hirundo Wildlife Refuge in Old Town

Shannon Bryan — Sat, 18 Apr 2020 11:59:31 +0000

Between the beaver spottings, the calm, winding waters of Pushaw Stream, and the big, bright moon lighting the way, a full moon paddle at Hirundo Wildlife Refuge is something special.

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Adventuring in Rangeley: Hiking, paddling, and waterfalls all over the place

Shannon Bryan — Sat, 21 Sep 2019 15:22:46 +0000

The wonders of Rangeley. There are way too many to count - and certainly too many to experience in a five-day camping trip - but I did my best last month to cram in as much hiking, paddling, and waterfall-hunting as I could.

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Hiking, paddling + picnic table art at Peaks-Kenny State Park

Shannon Bryan — Tue, 06 Aug 2019 20:49:27 +0000

Sebec Lake is a big draw for visitors to Peaks-Kenny State Park. There's a sandy beach and swimming area in the park and you can launch your kayak (or rent one) and spend the day paddling all the scenic nooks and crannies. There are also a few hiking trails located within the park, so you don't have to venture far to get on trail.

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