Category: Royal River Water Trail

Here, the river begins to be big enough for wonderful springtime paddling, with an 8.1 mile trip between two public access points. Still, strainers and logs create challenges, depending upon water levels. More Info

The Maine Island Trail is seamlessly linked to the Royal River Water Trail, where the river meets Casco Bay and the Gulf of Maine.  The Maine Island Trail connects Maine’s wild islands from Kittery to the Canadian Maritimes. More Info

Chandler Brook is the Middle Branch of the Royal River. It can be explored in sections or all at once. There’s something for everyone here: peaceful flatwater, fun whitewater, or true adventure navigating nearly impassable stretches of water. Chandler Brook can be paddled at high water levels (in the spring or after significant rain) with the exception of a few short flatwater sections that visitors will have to portage around. We have divided this paddling route into four sections. Visitors can also enjoy paddling Runaround Pond from the same boat launch at Runaround Pond Park. More Info

We have no immediate plans to create paddling guides or maps for this stretch of river. Paddlers of this segment will encounter beaver dams, fallen trees, steep banks at bridges, limited public access points, and other challenges. This stretch of river is popular, however, for birding, angling, hunting, fiddlehead harvesting, waterfalls, photography and other adventures.  More info

The Royal River Estuary, Cousins River Estuary, and Casco Bay provide diverse boating, fishing, paddling, birding and more.  At low tide, narrow river channels and a crowded harbor require courtesies to other boaters. Casco Bay and its islands include many sand bars, clam flats, and quiet coves but also cold- water ocean experiences requiring attention to safety. More Info