Megunticook Lake

A Lake Beneath the Cliffs

Megunticook Lake fills a basin carved between the Camden Hills, with forested ridges rising steeply from the water on the south and west sides. At 1,328 acres, it is the largest lake in Knox County and one of the most scenic in midcoast Maine. The lake stretches across three towns: Camden on the south, Lincolnville to the east, and Hope on the west. Its 30-mile perimeter winds through a mix of wooded shoreline and residential properties, with a few spots where the public can reach the water.

What makes Megunticook distinctive is the relationship between the lake and the hills above it. Maiden Cliff rises 800 feet directly above the western shore, and the view from the top looks straight down at the water. Hiking to the cliff and then swimming in the lake below is one of the best one-two combinations in midcoast Maine.

Barrett’s Cove Town Beach

Barrett’s Cove is the primary public swimming beach on Megunticook Lake, located on the southeast corner in Camden. The town owns and maintains the beach, and it is free and open to the public.

The beach has a sandy shore with a gradual slope into the water, making it safe for young children. Restrooms and outdoor showers are available. A grassy area beside the beach has playground equipment, picnic tables, and charcoal grills. The small parking lot fills early on summer weekends, so arrive before 10 AM on hot days.

Small rock ledges on the east side of the cove attract cliff jumpers and sunbathers. The rocks are low enough to be fun without being dangerous, though you should always check water depth before jumping.

Maiden Cliff

The Maiden Cliff Trail climbs about a mile to the top of the cliff overlooking the lake. The trail is moderately steep, gaining roughly 800 feet, and the payoff is one of the best views in the Camden Hills. The lake spreads out below, with the islands and coves visible in detail. On clear days, you can see across Penobscot Bay to the islands.

A large steel cross at the summit marks the spot where 11-year-old Elenora French fell from the cliff in 1864 while chasing her hat in a gust of wind. The memorial has stood since 1865 and is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the Camden Hills.

The trail connects to the Ridge Trail and other paths in Camden Hills State Park, making longer loop hikes possible. You can combine the Maiden Cliff Trail with the Ridge Trail to Mount Megunticook (the highest point in the Camden Hills at 1,385 feet) for a 4-5 mile loop.

Paddling

Megunticook Lake is excellent for kayaking and canoeing. The shoreline has numerous coves and inlets to explore, and the views of the Camden Hills from the water are striking. The lake is large enough to provide a full day of paddling but small enough that you can reach any point from Barrett’s Cove within an hour.

A public boat launch on Route 52 (Youngtown Road) in Lincolnville provides access for canoes, kayaks, and small trailered boats. The launch at Barrett’s Cove is carry-in only.

Afternoon winds can build on the lake, particularly from the southwest. Start early if you plan a full-day paddle, and stay close to the lee shore if conditions deteriorate.

Fishing

Megunticook Lake holds smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, chain pickerel, white perch, yellow perch, and brown trout. Bass fishing is the primary draw, with good structure along the rocky shoreline and around the lake’s several islands. Brown trout are stocked and can be caught trolling in the deeper sections.

The lake has a maximum depth of 64 feet and a mean depth of 23 feet, with the deepest water in the central basin. Fish the drop-offs and rocky points for bass, and troll the deeper water for trout.

A Maine fishing license is required. Tackle and licenses are available in Camden at local outfitters.

Where to Stay

Camden is a well-established tourist town with extensive lodging options:

• Inns and B&Bs: Camden has more inns per capita than almost anywhere in Maine. Whitehall Inn, Camden Harbour Inn, and Camden Windward House are a few options.
• Vacation rentals: Lakefront and hillside rentals on Megunticook are available but book well ahead for summer.
• Camping: Camden Hills State Park has 107 campsites, some with views of the ocean. The park is on the coast side of town, a short drive from the lake.
• Hotels: Chain and independent hotels are available along Route 1 in Rockport and Rockland.

Getting There

From Portland, take I-295 to Route 1 North through Brunswick, Bath, and Rockland to Camden. Barrett’s Cove is on Beaucaire Avenue, off Route 52 (Mountain Street) in Camden. The drive is about 100 minutes. From Bangor, take Route 1A to Route 1 South through Belfast. About 80 minutes.

Cell service is reliable in the Camden area on all major carriers. Coverage may be spotty on the western shore near the hills.

When to Go

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