Map
figure out where you are. Route numbers seem only to confuse you more. Penobscot Bay Press in Blue Hill has published a good map of the area. It will help you find your way around or figure out where you are!
Hiking
There are a number of walking trails along the shores of the Bagaduce. These are maintained by Blue Hill Heritage Trust (BHHT) and Maine Coast Heritage Trust (MCHT) and all ask that walkers respect the environment: remember to carry out whatever you carry in.
You will find a listing of walking trails and proper trail conduct on the BHHT website, bluehillheritagetrust.org.
New in 2017: BHHT published a comprehensive brochure of “Hiking Trails and Public Access Points of the Greater Blue Hill Peninsula”. To receive a copy, contact BHHT directly.
Water Access
If you have your own canoe or kayak, there are several launch sites you can use to access the water. There is limited parking at these sites. Please be aware that the Bagaduce is a tidal river. The tides are quite extreme (10 feet or more) downstream from the bridge at the Bagaduce Lunch. they are much less above that bridge.
Again, the new 2017 BHHT brochure described above provides names and locations of public launch sites along the river. See www.bluehillheritagetrust.org
Again, the new 2017 BHHT brochure described above provides names and locations of public launch sites along the river. See www.bluehillheritagetrust.org
If you do not own or “carry” your own kayak, Castine Kayak Adventures makes occasional trips on the Bagaduce and provides the kayaks, paddling and safety instruction, and guides to help you “see the sights.” You can reach Castine Kayak at 207-866-3506, or email castinekayak@gmail.com.
Canoe and Kayak rentals: There is a canoe and kayak rental shop in Blue Hill. website: www.theactivityshop.com
Our Towns
The Bagaduce Watershed Association board and members gratefully acknowledge the Native Peoples on whose ancestral land our local towns are located today, including the Penobscot Nation of the Wabanaki Confederacy. The towns that are located today within the Bagaduce watershed are:
Town of Penobscot
Incorporated in 1787, Penobscot has nearly 50 square miles of forests, ponds, and marshes along Northern Bay, Southern Bay, and the Bagaduce River. Penobscot also has fish ladders on Pierce’s Pond and Wight’s Pond that have been instrumental in restoring the alewife population. Come visit, boat, fish, hike and explore beautiful Penobscot.
Town of Brooksville
Travel back in time to Robert McCloskey’s “One Morning in Maine.” You may recognize the garage, and general store still serves ice cream! The Brooksville area was inhabited by Native Americans of the Wabanaki confederation since ancient times. The town’s Buck’s Harbor is known as one of the best coves in the region for small boats.
Town of Castine
Castine dates back to the 1600’s and has many historic houses and sites. A small, beautiful seaside community, Castine is easily walkable and boasts several inns, restaurants, and local artisan shops, as well as historic forts and Maine Maritime Academy. Castine is known as the “Town of Four Flags,” having been controlled at various times by Dutch, French, British and American colonists.
Town of Sedgwick
Sedgwick is one of the most photographed towns in Maine, where its well-known Caterpillar Hill provides a sweeping vista of rolling blueberry fields and a panoramic view of the coast and islands. Incorporated in 1789, Sedgwick was home to many granite quarries for decades, where stone was taken for major public buildings. The town is also known for its beautiful Benjamin River, shared with neighboring Brooklin.
Town of Blue Hill
A scenic seaside town and home to iconic Blue Hill Mountain, the town of Blue Hill is also the commercial center of the Blue Hill peninsula. While Blue Hill does not abut the Bagaduce, it is an important part of the river’s watershed. Blue Hill has a long shipbuilding history, and is also known for the Blue Hill Fair, which served as inspiration for E.B. White’s classic children’s book Charlotte’s Web.
Places of Interest within the Bagaduce Watershed Area
Bagaduce Lunch
A local “hot spot” on the shores of the Bagaduce, with great views, varied menu and lots of local charm.
View the Sunset at Caterpillar Hill
The view from the pull-out on Maine Route 175 (just above Walker Pond) at its highest point is spectacular. On a clear day you can see all the way to Rockland to the South and to the hills of Acadia National Park to the North, and everything in between – Islands, waterways, etc. There is a visitors’ vista description to help you understand what you are looking at.