Suggested Paddling Points

There are many great ways to get out this Spring and Summer and see Bowdoinham. Here are a few suggestions of where you can canoe or kayak brought to you by the Bowdoinham Biking, Walking and Padding Group.

1. Cathance River - Put your boat in at the town’s waterfront in Philip Mailly Park where there is parking and a boat ramp. The land on either side of the river is undeveloped. Paddle against the current going out and ride the current coming back!
2. Upper Abbagadassett River - Both the upper and lower sections are reachable from the Gallant Carry In. From the center of town, head north on River Road (Route #24) toward Richmond, after about 3 miles, you will pass Carding Machine Road on your left. Continue on River Road a little further, until see a “turn in” on the right just before the bridge; there is parking here for a few cars. Carry your boat down the side of the road (a distance of about 50 feet) to launch by the bridge. The Abby here is a quiet river without a lot of current and the area on either side of the bridge is wild and undeveloped.
3. Lower Abbagadassett River - The shortest access to Merrymeeting Bay is from the one lane bridge on Brown’s Point Road. From the center of town head north on River Road (route #24) toward Richmond, after about ½ a mile, take a right onto Brown’s Point Road. Before going over the bridge, take a left onto Foster’s Lane and then another quick left into the CMP parking area under the power lines. To put your boat in the Abby, cross back over Foster’s Lane carrying your boat down the bank on the north side of the bridge. The area around the bridge is very tidal and is unsuitable to launch boats at low tide. Also the currents and wind can be very powerful and unpredictable on the Bay once you leave the shelter of the Abbagadassett River. A large sand bar on the left near the mouth of the Abby is uncovered at low tide and makes a lovely beach until the tide covers it up.