Orland: Lakes, Trails, and Migrating Fish

In Orland, diverse natural landscapes meet a remarkable fish migration: Every spring, thousands of alewives travel up the Orland River, and you can watch them make their way upstream at the fish ladder at Orland Dam in town. The area also offers lakes and ponds, trails through a large conservation area, and insights into the history of fish farming. Together, these provide a range of ways to enjoy a vacation that combines nature, outdoor activities, and local history.

Rivers, Lakes, and Special Wildlife-Watching Opportunities

Every spring, typically from mid-May to early June, alewives—also known as river herring—travel up the Orland River to spawn. Visitors can watch the run at the fish ladder at Orland Dam as thousands of fish head upstream. Migrating fish, especially river herring, also travel up the Narramissic River to their spawning grounds. Herons and ducks use the shallow mudflats along the Orland River. The rivers thus shape Orland not only as a landscape, but also through its wildlife and seasonal fish migration.

Orland’s natural landscape includes granite ridges and high hills, Great Pond Mountain, which rises to 1,028 feet, and eight clean lakes and ponds. There are also trout-rich streams, wetlands, and beaver meadows. Travelers who enjoy taking in a variety of landscapes will find more here than a single viewpoint or body of water.

Trails and On-the-Water Experiences

The Wildlands conservation area in East Orland covers about 5,100 acres. Its hiking and biking trails range from easy to challenging and lead to special viewpoints and other remote locations. More than 150 bird species live in the conservation area. It is managed to protect habitats and wildlife, support sustainable forestry, and provide nature-friendly recreation. The range of trails offers a practical choice for planning your day: You can choose based on the varying levels of difficulty, from easy to challenging.

There are several ways to enjoy the water, too. The Orland River has calm stretches that are well suited to canoes and kayaks. At Toddy Pond, there is a public boat ramp at the East Orland Boat Landing on Route 1. It is free to use, and parking and restroom facilities are available. Craig Brook National Fish Hatchery offers boat access and picnic areas on Alamoosook Lake and Craig Pond. If you’re looking for a vacation rental or vacation home in Orland, you can consider whether trails and wildlife watching or outings on the water will be the focus of your trip.

Fish Farming, Local History, and Community

Orland also has a distinctive fish-farming history: In 1889, Craig Brook Station became the first federal fish hatchery in the United States to raise anadromous Atlantic salmon. The Orland Historical Society offers another way to explore the town’s history, preserving it through artifacts, photographs, and exhibits.

The annual Orland River Day, held in September, is part of community life. It takes place along the Orland River, on Naramissic Drive, and at the Orland Community Center. Along with the seasonal fish migration, the event offers another glimpse of Orland: In addition to its landscape and activities, local history and community are also part of the picture.

When choosing Orland as a vacation destination, you can weigh up what you’d most like to focus on: trails through the Wildlands, waterways and boating options, watching migrating fish, or exploring local history. Other places on the same page level: Swans Island, Bucksport, Castine, Bar Harbor, Surry, Mount Desert, Ellsworth, Dedham.

For the broader travel overview: Hancock.