Sabbathday Lake to New Gloucester Fairgrounds

Boat Access Points

Recommended

New Gloucester Fairgrounds Boat Launch to/from Tobey Road boat access point: The two mile stretch of the Royal River from the boat launch at Tobey Rd to the Fairgrounds is relatively flat with only a minor current and can be paddled in either direction by novices. There are hand-carry boat launches with adequate parking at either end. A limited number of canoe and kayaks and paddling gear are available for free at the New Gloucester Fairgrounds (keys at Library). Contact the New Gloucester Public Library for details. Notes:  One large beaver dam half-way through this segment requires a short portage. The dam forms a pond at Bald Hill Road. The clear water is stocked with fish while gravel and pine banks provide good locations for picnics. The river passes under the Maine Turnpike with clearance.

Also Terrific

Shaker Bog: The bog can be reached from an access point on Route 26, off the western(southbound) shoulder, just north of Shaker Village. If heading north on Route26, the driveway is on the left, just north of the Shaker village. Parking is available at the end of a short steep unmarked driveway off Route 26 or on the southbound shoulder itself. Plan to carry your boat about 200 feet on an old service road between the parking area and the bog. Please respect sensitive ecology and unstable berms if exploring the Shaker Bog by paddle or hike along a half-mile shoreline trail.

Sabbathday Lake: There is boat access at Sabbathday Lake for a small fee at the privately owned Outlet Beach. The beach is open from Memorial Day through mid-September at 106 Outlet Road, New Gloucester. Note that there is no paddling connection between Sabbathday Lake and the Royal River due to the size of the outlet combined with fallen trees. There is free access to fish the outlet downstream from the road, with short trails for anglers leaving the road’s guardrails. Pets and smoking are not allowed. Please help enforce a culture of respect and cleanliness along the conserved shoreline.

Tobey Road: From the Tobey Road boat launch the river is accessible upriver only for about a half mile. Though short, the trip makes for good fishing and birding. Visitors can paddle upstream against only a minor current. Note that paddling any further upstream than this, toward Sabbathday Lake, is nearly impossible.

Chandler Mill Pond: Chandler Mill Pond in New Gloucester is one of the Royal River’s few headwater ponds. Though one cannot paddle between the Royal River and the pond, there is a hand carry boat launch access to Chandler Mill Pond, which has a history of exceptional trout fishing.

Downstream of the New Gloucester Fairgrounds: This stretch of river is not suitable for paddling.

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