Hiking:
There are a variety of short hikes in the area (less than 30 minutes away). They include great views of the Belgrade Lakes region, a 6,100 acre wilderness area called Kennebec Highlands and a hike to Mt. Pisgah with great views of Maranacook and the other lakes in this region. An hours drive on some beautiful roads will take you to the town of Weld, home to Tumbledown Mountains, Mount Blue, Little Jackson Mtn. and others. These offer higher elevation and unbeatable views of the area and the White Mountains to the west. Email for more info on area hiking.
Area Wildlife:
Maranacook Lake is home to a wide variety of wildlife. In 2006, a pair of nesting owls took up residence in a tree by the camp. Loons are always present and they call every night just after sunset. Great blue herons, egrets, osprey and swallows are common sightings. This year, a pair of otters crossed the lake directly in front of the camp and came up on shore on a neighbors beach. Deer are always spotted every year just off the camp road, as are partridge. Bald Eagles are nesting in the area. This past summer, they took up post at the top of a tall tree next to camp for awhile.
Nice towns and villages in the area:
Belgrade Lakes is about 20 minutes from Maranacook and was the inspiration for the movie 'On Golden Pond'. Plenty of stores to browse and the Village Inn serves great meals. Hallowell is about 20 minutes away on the shores of the Kennebec River and is filled with artists' studios, antique stores, cafes, and coffee shops, not to mention a great place for live music at night (The Wharf, HIgher Grounds Coffee House). Augusta, the state capitol, is home to the Maine State Museum and Fort Western. Camden, approx 1 hr away, is a beautiful ocean side town - worth the drive! For a short, fun trip drive past Echo Lake to Mount Vernon to visit the general store, straight out of the 1940s. . .
Golf:
World renowned Belgrade Lakes Golf Club is 20 minutes from Maranacook Lake. Augusta Country Club, overlooking Cobboseecontee Lake is 15 minutes away. A great 9 hole course is Cobbosee Colony Golf Course in Monmouth, about 20 minutes away. It's Very affordable and is a good beginners course with a nice setting.
Other Activities:
geocaching, kayaking, antique train rides, Kennebec River Tours
