Crystal Lake, Gray, Maine

This post is another blast from the past.  I paddled here in April of 2012, but didn't post it.  Read the notes section for more information on that.

Body of Water: Crystal Lake, Gray, ME [Maine Gazetteer Map 5, B3 ]

Directions (from Portland, ME): From Portland head north on 95 (Maine Turnpike)  and take Exit 63 Gray/New Glouster.  Off the exit bear right into the center of Gray, follow signs for Rt. 26.  (The intersection in Gray is funky, with Rts. 115, Rt. 4, Rt. 26, and Main street, you will be turning left onto Rt. 26. You will pass the Maine Wildlife Park (Gray Animal Farm).  Keep your eyes open for a left turn for North Raymond Road.  (There is currently a small convenience store at the corner)  Turn LEFT onto North Raymond Road. You don't go very far before seeing the lake and then turn Right onto Mayberry Rd.   Parking is on the left across the road from the lake.  

Boat Launch: Boat launch site is from Wilkies Beach.  (I think it is most used by townspeople, but it was accessible for us!)  The put in is easy in and easy out.  Gravel entry, gradual slope.

Hours of operation noted on the sign say: 

May - September 5:30 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. October - April, Sunrise to sunset.  

Parking: There were a lot of spaces available for parking.  I would say about 15 vehicles, maybe more can park here.  I am sure in the summer it is a lot busier, but in early spring it was empty!

Wildlife: We saw a duck.  I am sure in the summer there is more wildlife than we saw!

Notes: No fees.  No bathrooms.

Crystal Lake... in Gray... I hesitated about putting it on here or not.  As most of my readers know I like places that are quiet, serene, and perhaps a bit isolated.  I also like places where I can explore off shoots and find places that feel unexplored.  Crystal Lake is not one of those places.  However, I also know that other people have different preferences, so decided to post it. (One of the friends who was with me had heard about it from other people as one of the places they LOVE to paddle.)   I didn't take many pictures, but will share what I have.  (They are not great quality.)  There are few places along the lake that are not waterfront properties, many many houses/camps.  I didn't feel like that pictures of people's houses was what I wanted to share.  

There were a couple of cool places to paddle... 

One of the few non house covered areas...

Notice the fleece shirts.  It was April and COOL temps.  

Duck!

A reflection shot...

This would probably be a great place for beginners or for families with kids who don't have a lot of endurance.  I am not sure of the boat traffic there during the summer, but given the number of houses I would expect it would be a busy spot.