Depending on how you like to “explore,” you may find that following information to be of interest:
The Watershed area is full of streams, ponds, inlets and it is surprisingly difficult to 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!
Walking Trails
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.
Canoeing/Kayaking on the Bagaduce
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
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
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.
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!
Town of Castine
Castine dates back to the 1600’s and has many historic houses and sites. A small, beautiful seaside community, it is easy to walk around town, amble down to the Town dock and around the Maine Maritime Academy. There are a number of inns, restaurants and small artisan shops to enjoy.
