If you love the outdoors you need to come to the Lincoln Lakes Region of Maine. Lakes, Ponds, rivers, trails and friendly people are easy to find. The following activities are just a start of what you can do in the outdoors of Lincoln.
1. Paddling the Lincoln Lakes
Dave Sandilands paddling on Cold Stream Pond in Lincoln, Photo Courtesy of Phil McPhail
Lincoln has 13 lakes in clusters within the township. Of these lakes, some have developed shorelines with seasonal cabins and year-round homes, others are more remote and little developed. For the paddler the draw of the more remote and less traveled waters is very appealing. Check out Folsom, Crooked and Upper Ponds to find more solitude and less motor boat traffic.
2. Sightseeing and Fishing on the Penobscot River
Phil McPhail doing some fly fishing in the Penobscot River
Maine’s Penobscot River is one of the country’s most significant flowing waters. The river originates in several branches in the springs of northern Maine and flows south and east until it merges into the mainstem in Medway. The river forms Lincoln’s western boundary and is mostly flat moving water with many islands and dozens of hidden channels. Boat landings in south Lincoln and Winn provide access to this section. Bald eagle sightings are an everyday occurrence and the smallmouth bass fishing is legendary.
3. ATV/Snowmobile Trails
Photo Courtesy of Scott White
Lincoln has dozens of miles of groomed snowmobile trails and maintained ATV trails system. Along these trails area views of the many lakes, the Appalachian Mountains including Mount Katahdin, small creek and stream crossings and a diverse forest landscape. These trails are lesser know than some of the busier areas of Maine and can offer the rider more solitude in nature. The trails are connected to the much larger state trail systems.
4. Explore the Forests
Fawn and mama deer in the spring- Photo by Phil McPhail
Lincoln by area is one of the largest towns in Maine. Most of Lincoln is forested land owned in large contiguous tracts by owners who for the most part allow free use by the public for hunting, hiking and exploring. Be sure when doing so to keep in mind this is a privilege not found everywhere and please respect the owner’s property by carrying out everything you bring in.
5. Local Festivals
Loon Festival Parade- Photo Courtesy of Jean Hannington
The outdoor heritage shared by Lincoln’s citizens is celebrated every year with two major festivals. July is time for Loon Vest, formally known as Homecoming. This event has parades, fireworks, downtown venders, BBQ’s and more including Thursday event kickoff with the annual River Drivers Bean Supper at Ludden Field on the bank of the Penobscot River. February is time for Winterfest, so grab your warm clothes and come to town. This year’s events include a professional snow-cross race at the Lincoln Snowhounds Club, a comedy fest and community bonfire.
