Branch Lake Maine in Ellsworth

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Branch Lake in Maine is a great place to spend a summer day. The lake has beautiful views, and there are plenty of activities to keep you busy. You can go swimming, fishing, boating, and kayaking on the lake.

Branch lake is a beautiful body of water located in Ellsworth, Maine. The lake is home to many different types of fish and is a popular spot for swimming and boating. The scenery around the lake is particularly lovely during the summertime, when the trees are in full bloom.

Power boats are welcome on the water and can get access by using the city operated boat launch ramp. The area also has hiking trails and picnic areas, so you can enjoy the natural beauty of the area.

Getting there

Branch Lake is conveniently located within one hour of many popular attractions in the Mid Coast and Downeast regions of Maine.

To those that may be coming from Southern New England or points south of the Mid-Coast region of Maine, Branch Lake is an easy ride from the main roads.

My personal preference is to take the Coastal Route (US 1) and branch off of the interstate north of Portland, ME. I enjoy stopping in all of the coastal towns for local seafood and beverages. Plus, take in some unique beaches and lighthouses! Branch Lake State Park is conveniently located three miles off of US 1 in Ellsworth.

To those who prefer to take the interstate, or are flying into Bangor, Branch Lake is about 25 miles from downtown Bangor. Just follow I-395 out of Bangor to the end and follow US 1A. You will then take the back roads through Dedham. If you don’t like dirt roads, I recommend following US 1A into Ellsworth and come in US 1. The roads through Dedham can get a little bumpy with the gravel.

To those returning from Downeast Maine, Bar Harbor, or a high speed to Canada, follow US 1 past downtown Ellsworth and make a turn onto Happytown Road. From there, the road will take you to the state park and boat launch.

Activities

Branch Lake in Ellsworth Maine is a great place for swimming, boating, fishing, and camping. There are plenty of activities to keep you busy during your stay. The lake is well known for its bass and trout fishing. If you’re looking to relax, the quiet atmosphere and scenic views are perfect.

Sand Beach is a great place to visit the Branch Lake shoreline with the family for a quiet time in the sun. Plus, it is conveniently nearby on the access road to the city operated boat launch.

To those that enjoy camping, be sure to stop by Branch Lake Camping Area. The campsite is the perfect place nestled away from the deepest parts of the lake that are popular for boats.

To hiking enthusiasts, there are a number of trails to explore in the Branch Lake Public Forest. Navigate to the trail heads by pulling off of US 1A. The public forest contains up to 3.1 miles of moderate trails. There is a lot to explore in the quiet forest surrounding Branch Lake! Be sure to do the Lake Loop Trail to hike along the shoreline of Branch Lake.

Restaurants

If you’re looking for a great place to eat out, there are some great restaurants in the area if you don’t mind driving. The lake is a convenient location between the Mid-Coast regions popular destinations.

Masons Brewing Company in Brewer, Maine.

For a water view, try Mason’s Brewing Company in Brewer. It has a great riverside location to enjoy some beer and pizza. This restaurant overlooks Bangor across the Penobscot River. Be sure to get there early to snag a reservation!

Also view the upcoming events at the Maine Savings Ampitheater. We caught a great concert at having dinner at Masons Brewing Company for free. All while checking off another stamp for the Maine Beer Trail!

Airline Brewing Company – Ellsworth

To those looking for a closer drive, be sure to visit Airline Brewing Company. To anyone doing the Maine Beer Trail, this is an easy stop for some excellent beers! I strongly recommend drinking their nitro Peanut Butter Stout. The wait staff is excellent and the locals who frequent the place also make you feel at home.

West Street Cafe, Bar Harbor Maine

A great stop if you are going onto Mt Desert Island for Acadia National Park, the high speed ferry to Nova Scotia, or hiking the Bar Island Land Bridge. Conveniently located at the edge of downtown near the water, stop in for some fresh local seafood (the clam chowder is amazing).

If you go, be sure to save room for dessert. Their blueberry pie made with Maine’s own blueberries is incredible! My little sister also enjoyed the macaroni and cheese.

Lodging

There are several places to stay near Branch Lake Maine, including campgrounds, hotels, and cabins. You may even be able to rent a house on the lake through AirBNB like we did! Definitely get a local property on AirBNB if you want the local experience. We learned so much local history from host!

The lake features a family owned campground on the north shore of the lake. The campground is a fun place nestled in the woods.

Otherwise, the city of Ellsworth, Brewer, and Bangor are all within driving distance for hotels if you like to be closer to shops and restaurants. Mt Desert Island is also within driving distance to those that would prefer to stay in Bar Harbor.

FAQs

Related

Planning a trip to Maine? Here’s a few more places you may want to visit.

• Bar Island Land Bridge is a great hike you can take from Bar Harbor during low tide to walk to Bar Island.
• Monroe Falls in Maine is a quiet spot with a great waterfall view.
• Stop in to see the Best Breweries in Portland Maine!