Brownfield Bog

Body of Water: Brownfield Bog, Brownfield, ME [Maine Gazetteer Map 4, B2 , ]

Directions (from Portland, ME): Follow Rt 25 through Gorham and Standish.  Turn right onto Rt 113 through Hiram and Baldwin into Brownfield.  Once the speed limit decreases you will be approaching an intersection, of 113 and 160.  Take Rt. 160 on the right.  Go over a bridge and 160 turns right, you need to stay straight onto Lord Hill Rd. Just after transitioning to Lords Hill Road   take an immediate left onto a dirt road, Bog Road, that looks like a driveway.   The dirt road is very narrow with lots of ruts and bumps.  (There were some small cars parked there once we got in, but I think I would have been nervous about bottoming out in a small vehicle.)

*The Maine Gazetteer made it look like it would be a bit easier to find than it was.  The tricky part is that the dirt road you have to turn onto to get to the Bog, off Lord Hill Rd., off Rt. 160, looks like a driveway.  After a few times by, we finally got it right !

Boat Launch: The put in spots are a bit narrow.  It's easy to get in to the water's edge.  I get into my kayak by wading into the water and sitting into my kayak as if it were a chair.  This spot was a little hard for that because the bottom was mucky, but I faced the fear of what would be in the muck and it was well worth it!

Parking: There is room for 8-9 vehicles, in a little loop/turnout area.  I think any kind of trailer system would be hard to navigate.  Much better for people who transport their kayaks on top of their vehicles.

Wildlife: Birds (many songbirds, red winged black birds, & blue heron), turtles (snapping and painted), and we got lucky and saw a moose.

Notes: Other than the great outdoors, there are no bathroom facilities, and since this is a spot that is a bit off the beaten path, you may have to become one with nature.

I believe this is Pleasant Mountain in Bridgton, ME. (The back side of Shawnee Peak.)

Sorry the sign is blurry, I took it while driving on the bumpy dirt road! 

Another shot of Pleasant Mountain.  

Red Winged Blackbird.  There were soooo many birds singing at this bog.  There was a group of birdwatchers walking along the edge of one side of the bog with their binoculars.  Apparently a hot spot for 'birders.' 

These birdhouses were everywhere.  I think it's for wood ducks, but am not sure.  

It was a very peaceful place to paddle.  

We came around a corner and I spotted this moose. At first the other people in my group didn't see him and thought it was just a dark spot, but I knew it was a moose.  I see them a lot when I go north, towards Katahdin, but this is the first one I have seen in this area while I was kayaking.  I was thrilled. 

He, however, was not thrilled that we interrupted his breakfast and headed into the woods.  

I was surprised that these flowers were already opening.  It seems early to me, but we have had an early spring with lots of warm sunny days. 

Just a shot of the water and my friends... 

A painted turtle said hello.  We also saw a snapping turtle, but it was swimming and went under before I could get a shot! 

I would recommend coming here for an early morning paddle.  I think the reflections would be even better and perhaps a better chance at seeing moose!