Androscoggin River Paddling 9/9/2026

Today, we continued our exploration of the Androscoggin River Trail on the section of river in Jay between Riley Dam and Pine Island. We put-in our canoe at the Snoopy Site launch, so named after the Snoopy cartoon which used to be painted on a water tank at the launch. From the launch, we started by paddling downstream a short distance to Pine Island, before turning around and making our way upstream.

Snoopy Site Launch

On the river

We paddled upstream which wasn't difficult on this part of the river, due to the downstream dam. The current only became noticeable as we approached Riley Dam. We paddled to the south bank of the river next to the dam and then ferried across the river under the dam to the opposite bank. The strong currents coming off of the dam made this especially challenging and fun!

At Riley Dam

Riley Dam

As we made our way back downstream, we stopped at a small sandy island to eat lunch. We also paddled down narrower channels to river left of a couple of larger islands. This was a great section of river to paddle in both directions, and we only saw one other boat out on the river today.

This inscription was apparently made by workers as a joke about their boss when the dam's concrete was rehabilitated.

We ate lunch on this small sandy island.

Crescent Mountain Trails 8/7/2026

Last Friday, we set out for New Limerick to do one of Maine's many paddle hikes. Nickerson Lake is a long and narrow crescent-shaped lake with a small state park on its eastern side. On the south side of the lake is a network of trails, called the Crescent Mountain Trails, which can only be accessed by boat (or across the ice in the winter).

Sampson in the kayak

Paddling on Nickerson Lake

After putting-in our kayaks at the boat launch in the lake's southeast corner, we paddled west along the lake's southern shore. Sampson did a great job riding in my kayak, which was a new experience for him. It was a nice paddle, and the water in the lake was extremely clear.

The trailhead on the lake's south shore

An old sign reading "This is Nickerson Lake"

Upon reaching the trailhead, we checked in at the trailhead register and started by hiking the Mountain Loop clockwise. This well marked and maintained trail ascended gradually as it made its way to the low summit of Crescent Mountain. Before reaching the wooded peak, the trail passed a feature called "Pine Tree Perch." This rickety series of ladders and platforms allowed us to climb to near the top of a white pine, where there were good views to the north and west. Unfortunately, the tree is dying, and the perch will likely not be able to be used for much longer.

Pine Tree Perch

View north from the Perch

After completing the Mountain Loop, we made our way on to Lake's End Loop. We hiked that loop clockwise as well, traversing the hillside before dropping down to the shore of the lake. We ate lunch at a pair of Adirondack chairs on the shore before completing the loop. There was also a very nice cold spring on the trail, perfect for a cold drink on a hot day!

Cave along the Mountain Loop

Chairs on the lake shore

After finishing the hike, we paddled back along the south shore to the boat launch. It was a great network of trails with a lot of character, and paddling to get there made them especially unique!

The spring

Bridge on Lake's End Loop

AllTrails Activity

Mercer Bog 4/18/2026

 

On Saturday, we went canoeing for the first time this season at Mercer Bog Wildlife Management Area. Starting from the dam on Main Street in Mercer, we paddled south into the bog. We passed under Route 2 and continued until we reached a spot where small beaver dams and a very narrow channel made it difficult to go any further.

Sign at the put-in

Mercer Bog

Because of the high water and lack of aquatic plant growth, this is a great time of year to paddle Mercer Bog. There are a variety of nice landing spots along the way, and we found a good one to eat lunch at, near where we turned around. We saw lots of wildlife along the way, including turtles, fish, a beaver, waterfowl, and other birds.

Sampson enjoyed being a passenger

View of the bog from our lunch spot