Four Ponds in a Row Below the Border
Chain of Ponds Public Reserved Land sits about ten miles northeast of Eustis in Franklin County, in Chain of Ponds Township, only a few miles short of the Quebec border. The name is literal: Natanis, Bog, Long, and Lower ponds are strung together by channels into a single ribbon of water that Route 27 follows for several miles. The Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands owns frontage on each pond, so the whole chain stays open to paddlers, campers, and anglers without a gate or a fee.
This is high country at roughly 1,300 feet, ringed by forested ridges, and it carries some history. The route along these ponds traces the path Benedict Arnold’s expedition struggled through on its 1775 march to Quebec, and one of the ponds is named for Natanis, the Abenaki scout connected to that story. Today it is quiet water, loon calls, and big views up to Snow Mountain on the western skyline.
Paddling and Fishing
The chain is made for an easy paddle. Because the ponds connect through channels, you can launch at the small access at the north end of Natanis Pond and work your way down through the links without a portage, hugging shoreline that stays mostly undeveloped. The water is cold and clear, with brook trout and salmon among the fish, and the surrounding wetlands make for good birding. A few of the primitive campsites sit on their own small islands, which makes for a memorable overnight if you can reach one.
Lake paddling
The Snow Mountain Trail
Rising above the western shore is Snow Mountain, a former fire-tower summit just under 4,000 feet and one of the best half-day climbs in this corner of the state. The trail leaves from near the ponds and grinds up through spruce and fir to open ledges with a long look into Canada and back across the chain. The old tower at the top has fallen into disrepair, but the views from the ledges stand on their own. See our full write-up of Snow Mountain for trail detail.
Camping
Camping is at primitive, first-come, first-served sites scattered along the shoreline, with no reservation system. There is also a privately run commercial campground on the chain if you want amenities. The Bureau’s sites are basic: a place to pitch a tent, a fire ring, and the water at your feet. Camp only at established sites, keep fires in the rings, and pack out everything you carry in.
Getting There
Route 27 runs the length of the chain, paralleling the eastern shore, so access is unusually easy for a remote unit. From Eustis, drive north on Route 27 about ten miles and the ponds open up on your left, with the boat access at the north end of Natanis Pond and roadside pull-offs along the way. The highway is paved and plowed all winter because it is the main road to the Coburn Gore border crossing, which makes this one of the more reachable Public Reserved Lands in western Maine.
Route 27 is a designated scenic byway and a busy truck route to the Canadian border, so traffic moves fast. Park well off the pavement at the pull-offs, and if you are heading to Coburn Gore or across into Quebec, carry a passport. Fuel and supplies are thin past Eustis, so stock up before you head north.
When to Visit
Spring
Ice-out comes late at this elevation. Expect cold water and black flies once the snow clears.
Summer
Prime paddling and camping, with the warmest water and the Snow Mountain trail in good shape.
Fall
Cool, bug-free days and strong foliage along Route 27. One of the best seasons up here.
Winter
Route 27 stays plowed, but the ponds freeze and the campsites are unmaintained. A snowmobile and ice-fishing season.
Summer and early fall are the sweet spot. The foliage along this stretch of Route 27 is among the best in the western mountains.
Packing List
Chain of Ponds Day or Overnight
- Canoe or kayak and PFDs
- Tent and sleeping bag for primitive sites
- Maine fishing license and lead-free tackle
- Bug spray for spring and early summer
- Sturdy boots if you plan to climb Snow Mountain
- Drinking water or a filter
- Passport if continuing to Coburn Gore
- Trash bags to pack everything out
FAQ
How do you access Chain of Ponds?
Route 27 runs right along the eastern shore, about ten miles north of Eustis. The paved, year-round highway makes this one of the easiest remote Public Reserved Lands to reach, with a boat access at the north end of Natanis Pond.
Can you paddle the whole chain?
Yes. Natanis, Bog, Long, and Lower ponds connect through channels, so you can paddle the length without a portage. Some of the primitive campsites sit on small islands.
Is there a fee to camp?
The Public Reserved Land sites are free and first-come, first-served. There is also a separate privately run commercial campground on the chain if you want amenities.
Can I hike Snow Mountain from here?
Yes. Snow Mountain rises above the western shore and is a popular half-day climb to open ledges with views into Canada. See our Snow Mountain trail guide for details.
Do I need a passport?
Not to visit the ponds, but the chain is only a few miles from the Coburn Gore border crossing, so bring a passport if you plan to continue into Quebec.
For the climb above the water, see Snow Mountain, and for nearby big water try Flagstaff Lake beneath the Bigelow Range.
