Body Of Water: Trickey Pond, Naples, Maine [Maine Gazetteer, Map 4, B5]
Directions: From Portland, head west on Rt. 302 towards Windham. Stay on 302 through Windham, Raymond, Casco, and into Naples. After the Causeway turn left onto Rt. 114 and drive about 3.1 miles and look for the boat landing on your right. (Almost across from Rolling Hill Drive on the left.) This boat landing seems to come up pretty quickly and is easily missed.
Alternate Route: (May save time, especially on weekends when there is lots of tourist traffic!) Take Congress street towards the Maine Mall, Turn RIGHT onto Stroudwater St. At the end of Stroudwater, turn left onto Rt. 25 (William Clark Highway). Stay on Rt. 25 into Gorham. At intersection of 25 and 237, turn right onto 237. Follow 237 to the roundabout and take the second exit to stay on Rt. 237. After 0.4 miles turn Left onto Huston Rd. At the end of Huston turn Right onto Rt. 114. Stay on Rt. 114 for 19.8 miles, passing through Standish and Sebago and into Naples. You will pass Sebago Cove on the left just before you gain a visual of Trickey Pond, also on the left. The boat landing will be on your left, just across from Rolling Hill Drive. This launch comes up quickly, slow down as you pass Sebago Cove on your left to avoid missing it!
Boat Launch: Concrete, sloped boat launch.
Parking: Paved parking area with room for 10-12 vehicles, fewer if all have trailers.
Bathroom: No
Wildlife: Loons, ducks, fish, and various song birds
Notes: This voyage was a last minute decision for me. I belong to a social group called meetup.com which offers ways for people who have common interests to get together. The Paddling Group to which I belong is led by a man named Bill Allen who owns Sebago Trails Paddle in Windham. (Click on the link to connect to Bill's business.) I had received an email that the group would be heading to Trickey Pond but had other plans. However, at the last minute my plans changed and with little time to spare I jumped in my truck and drove to the boat launch. (I was glad my kayak was already loaded!!!) I had stopped by the boat launch last summer after one of my other adventures and vowed to return. This was my opportunity.
Because this was later in the summer and the sun is setting earlier and earlier (Say it ain't so!!) We had a limited time to be on the water. There were 15-20 paddlers as part of this trip. Paddling in a group has a different dynamic than paddling solo; it was a nice change of pace! Because of the time limit, I did not take as many photos as I normally do, but think I was able to capture a lot of the pond's essence.
From the boat launch, while facing the pond, the right side of the pond is pretty untouched for much of the length of the pond. It was very peaceful and lined with many tall pine trees.
I liked seeing the silhouettes of the kayakers against the sunset.
As you paddle to the opposite end of the pond, there is a campground along the right shore and back side of the pond. It seemed to be a pretty popular place to be, with many boats docked. We didn't see a lot of boat traffic, but it seems to be a place that gets a lot of use.
It is fun to see all the different kayaks and paddlers! Kayaking is a very versatile sport! (One of the reasons I love it!)
On the far end of the pond there are two small islands.
This part of the pond was my favorite. Going behind the islands felt more secluded.
Despite being a pretty large group, a group of three loons made themselves known.
They seemed unphased by the paddling traffic. I hope they have a healthy fear of the motor boats, especially when/if they have babies!
They came up very close to me and one other paddler. I love the sound of them taking a breath when they surface. I like the subtle reflection of the sunset colors in this picture as well.
I would guess that this rope swing is one of the biggest draws to this pond for local youth. While I would not have the courage or arm strength needed to fly high like this kid, it looked fun. (Mentally noted for next summer for when I have my nephews!) There were about ten kids/very young adults lined up awaiting their turn. The rope swing show was complete with peer taunting and laughter. It was fun to watch!
There was one point in the paddle where the water got a little wavy, but not bad. It did remind me, however, that I have heard from a friend of mine who knows Trickey Pond well, that the waves can get pretty big here. He tells me that Trickey Pond gets its name because of this. It is tricky to time it right when the wind is just right. I would suspect an early morning paddle here would be pretty calm, but I don't know.
I love the iconic pine trees along the shore!
As the sun set we returned to the boat launch. If I were to do this trip again, close to sunset, I think I would alter my route. Because the sun sets across form the boat launch, I would paddle on the far side of the pond, opposite from the boat launch on the way out, and return on the launch side. I think that would provide a better view of the sunset.
People worked together to get people safely off the water. It was a fun excursion.
When calm, Trickey Pond is a great destination for families. It is a place that would be perfect for the paddler who wants to be on the water for just enough time to unwind but doesn't want to spend the entire day on the water. Other than the rope swingers I did not see people swimming in the pond, but I know that people do swim there, often. It is important, if you are going to swim, to respect that some property owners do not want to share their right of ways with others.
I don't usually promote businesses here, but I believe in what Bill does, and appreciate the work that he does! Through Bill, you can RENT kayaks at a reasonable price.
There are a few places like Shaw Park in Gorham where you can rent kayaks on site, but the beauty of Bill's business is that he delivers the kayaks, paddles, and life vests to you! I love that he is helping people learn this sport and getting people/families outdoors and on the water!
Thanks Bill!!
Thank-you, Maine Kayak Girl! It was great having you join the group that night!
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