A Day Trip to Donnell Pond

All the action isn’t always on Acadia.   For a nice get-away especially in spring or fall, visit Donnell Pond.   About 4/5ths of the pond is protected public land.   There is public access two ways, the hiking trail or the boat access.   We like to take our kayaks and canoe out from the boat launch and cross over to the park side.    A bit of fishing, a bit of swimming, a bit of hanging out on the beach makes for a perfect relaxed day at the pond.   There are  wilderness camp sites here too, but they are filled up fast, so plan to be there early.   There is no registration, no fees/campsites are first come first served.      The lake has good fishing, but be sure to have your license.    Here is a link to a website with pictures and directions to the pond.   The  hiking trail in the area is a great way to get exercise, see a bit of nature and then reward yourselves with a dip in the pond at the end of your day.   It’s a five mile hike, plan on taking at least 3 hours.    Here is a description of the hike so you have an idea of where you can go.

Swimming from the campsite

Donnell pond is a special category of place – here is an article about public reserved land in Maine from the Maine Department of Conservation which manages this category of recreational land.

Maine’s Public Reserved Lands total more than a half million acres of wild lands and are managed for a variety of resource values including recreation, wildlife, and timber. Recreational opportunities include visiting some of Maine’s most outstanding natural features. Camping, hiking, hunting and fishing in secluded locations bring a closer understanding of our outdoor heritage. Visitors need to be prepared for a rugged, remote backcountry experience. Plan your trip by visiting our search page. Please don’t overestimate your abilities; public reserved land units are not staffed as state park or historic sites are and we want you to enjoy your trip.

The Public Reserved Lands are managed for multiple-uses under a “dominant use” system which ensures that sensitive resources such as rare plants and backcountry recreation areas are not disturbed by more intensive management activities. There are 29 “units” of Public Reserved Lands ranging in size from 500 to more than 43,000 acres and many other smaller scattered lots.

Generally fees are not charged to visit these lands, the funds generated from careful timber management cover the cost of managing recreational use. In a few instances, units are managed in cooperation with neighboring landowners and fees are collected. Unpaved private roads provide access to many of these backcountry recreation areas. Drivers are cautioned to yield the right-of-way to logging trucks at all times. General Rules apply to most public land units, but please note exceptions on individual unit pages.

The Donnell Pond Unit includes more than 14,000 acres of remote forested land with crystal clear lakes, secluded ponds, and mountains with panoramic views. Located in Hancock County between Franklin and Cherryfield, this is where visitors can enjoy outdoor recreation in a scenic, remote setting.

Activities

• boating
• camping
• Canoeing
• Cross-Country Skiing
• fishing
• hiking (trails)
• hunting
• snowshoeing
• swimming
• watching wildlife
• One hint, avoid this place on the hottest weekend days in the summer, cause it will be filled with boaters and their beer coolers and music.    Best visited during the week, or on cool or cloudy days..

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