Discover Waldo County
Accommodation in Waldo County
Waldo County combines waterfront landscapes along Penobscot Bay with forest trails, historic sites and maritime culture. Those looking for a vacation rental or vacation home for their trip can make their preferred combination of nature, activity and history the starting point for choosing a location. The region offers both short routes for a manageable excursion and longer routes and special destinations for a varied vacation.
Forest Trails, Islands and Waterfront Landscapes
Moose Point State Park offers two different trails. The Big Spruce Trail is 0.5 miles long, easy and runs along the edge of the forest with views of Penobscot Bay; several benches invite visitors to stop and rest along the way. The also-easy Moose Trail, likewise 0.5 miles long, is a loop through the forest and crosses several footbridges. The landscape is complemented by an evergreen grove and tidal pools.
Sears Island has several miles of well-maintained trails. A complete walk along the coast is about 5 miles long. During the milder seasons, activities there include bird-watching, trail running, kayaking, swimming and cycling; in winter, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are also available. So far, 222 bird species have been observed on Sears Island. The remains of a farmhouse are also still visible, just off the Homestead Trail.
Those who want to explore larger natural areas will find more than 1,250 acres of contiguous habitat in the Sheepscot Headwaters protected areas. The trails pass spring-fed streams, glacial erratics and groups of old trees, including trees more than 200 years old. Frye Mountain, Hogback Mountain and Goose Ridge offer panoramic views; bird-watching and discovering numerous signs of wildlife are also possible. The section of the Hills to Sea Trail from City Point to Route 137 passes through old and younger forests, meadows and along streams, a beaver dam with a beaver lodge, and stone walls. The Little River Community Trail runs through forests along the shore of a lake and along the Little River and is suitable for hiking and snowshoeing.
Lake St. George State Park also offers activities and camping year-round. West of the campground is a launch ramp for trailerable boats; both motorized and non-motorized boats are permitted. Depending on the desired focus, trip planning can therefore be supplemented with water activities or trails through forest landscapes.
Maritime History and Historic Sites
Fort Point State Park encompasses the Fort Pownall State Historic Site and the Fort Point Light Station. The light station was built in 1836 to support the increasing number of ships on the Penobscot between Bangor and Castine, and was the first river lighthouse in Maine. Fort Pownall was built during the French and Indian War to defend Penobscot Bay. Today, only the foundations and earthworks remain. From Fort Point State Park, cyclists can also begin a 7-mile loop around Cape Jellison.
Searsport is home to the Penobscot Marine Museum, one of the oldest maritime museums in the United States. The campus includes historic homes and other historic buildings. The “Powering Up” exhibition presents four early designs of lobster boats: Dory, Peapod, Moosabec Reach Boat and Friendship Sloop. Among other things, guests can experience the setting of a sail and read a sailor’s journal. The Searsport Historic District was created to preserve the town’s historic character.
In Belfast, “Museum in the Streets” offers a guided walking tour of the city’s history. The annual Common Ground Country Fair in Unity takes place on the third full weekend after Labor Day. It features organic food produced in Maine, crafts, demonstrations and livestock exhibits. To travel to Islesboro, the Islesboro Ferry connects Lincolnville and Islesboro; the crossing is 3 miles long and takes 20 minutes.
Choosing the Right Location for Your Vacation Rental
When searching for a vacation rental in Waldo County, it is worth first determining the focus of your trip. Those who want to combine short distances, forests and waterfront landscapes can include the hiking and nature destinations mentioned above in their plans. For a trip with a stronger interest in maritime history, the museums, lighthouses and fortifications, as well as the historic towns, provide useful points of reference. Those planning to use the Islesboro Ferry can include Lincolnville as a starting point in their itinerary. The towns of Lincolnville, Belfast, Searsport, Winterport and Stockton Springs help with further orientation within the destination.
For the overarching travel overview: Maine.
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