Town of Lincoln, website.

Boat Launches in Lincoln, Maine

Registrations for Hunting, Fishing, and Riding

Registrations for Hunting, Fishing, and Riding

Registrations for Hunting, Fishing, and Riding

The Lincoln Lakes Region offers several public beach options, ranging from downtown community parks to secluded spots on nearby lakes and rivers.

https://www.lincolnmaine.us/wa...

Primary Local Beaches:

• Prince Thomas Park (Mattanawcook Pond): Located directly in downtown Lincoln, this park features a lovely sandy beach and a designated swimming area. The beach is a popular community gathering spot and is staffed by lifeguards during the summer (typically Monday–Friday from 12:30 pm to 8:00 pm and Saturday/Sunday from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm). Recent improvements to the park include a new bathhouse, docks, and floats.

• Morgan’s Beach (Cold Stream Pond): Situated just south of Lincoln in Enfield, this is a premier regional destination known for its exceptionally clear water and beautiful sand. It is open from mid-June through Labor Day (9:00 am to 6:00 pm) and provides amenities such as changing rooms, restrooms, an attendant, charcoal grills, and a "Snack Shack". There are no lifeguards on duty here, so swimming is at your own risk.Secluded and Regional Waterfront Access

• Seboeis Public Reserved Land: For those seeking a more rugged experience, Seboeis Lake contains sandy beaches on wooded islands. While some areas are accessible by vehicle, many of these beach sites require a boat to reach.

• Penobscot River: The river flows through Lincoln and offers scenic spots along its 19 miles of frontage that are utilized for swimming, though access is more informal than a designated park beach.

• Peaks-Kenny State Park: Located on the shores of Sebec Lake (within a morning's drive of Lincoln), this park features a sandy swimming beach that is staffed by a lifeguard during the summer months.

• Lincolnville Beach: While not in the immediate vicinity, this sandy oceanfront retreat is noted as an option for those in the Lincoln area willing to travel further for an Atlantic coast experience.Other Nearby Ponds for SwimmingMany of the 13 (or 14) lakes in the Lincoln area provide natural shorelines where locals swim, paddle, and relax. 

Notable mentions in the sources include Long Pond, Folsom Pond, and Caribou Pond, which are described as tranquil spots with pristine waters for outdoor enthusiasts.Choosing between these beaches is like picking between a convenient town plaza and a hidden garden; Prince Thomas Park offers the bustling energy and safety of a supervised downtown hub, while Morgan’s Beach and the outlying public lands provide the clarity and quiet of a more remote natural sanctuary.

The Lincoln Lakes region and Maine’s public lands offer exceptional opportunities for wildlife photography, ranging from common backyard creatures to rare, threatened species.

Top Subjects for Photography

• Large Mammals: Moose are frequently spotted feeding in coves, and whitetail deer are common throughout the Lincoln area. Black bears are also present but are less commonly seen.
• Iconic Birds: Common loons are a central focus in Lincoln and are known for their nesting sites on Seboeis Lake and Mattanawcook Pond. Bald eagles and ospreys are often seen perched in trees along the Penobscot River or near their nests.
• Rare Species: The sources note sightings of Canada lynx, which are federally listed as threatened. There are also unverified reports of wolves and cougars in the area; the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIFW) encourages observers to take photos of these rare mammals to help investigate sightings.
• Small Wildlife: Photographers can find painted and snapping turtles, spring peepers (frogs), beavers, otters, and various squirrels throughout the region’s 13 lakes and river frontage.

Recommended Locations

• Seboeis Public Reserved Land: This 21,369-acre area features high numbers of nesting loons, bald eagles, and moose.
• Prince Thomas Park and Mattanawcook Pond: Located downtown, this area provides easy access to feral Mallards and loons that frequent the lake.
• Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs): You can use the ME Outdoors mobile app to find designated WMAs near you specifically for wildlife watching and exploration.
• Remote Trails: The Wind and Water Trail offers 40 miles of dirt roads through wooded areas where a variety of wildlife can be seen.

Ethics and Best Practices

• Avoid Disturbance: When photographing eagle nests, you should use a zoom lens to maintain a respectful distance. For loons, use binoculars and stay at least 200 feet from the shore when in a boat to avoid interrupting breeding.
• Landowner Respect: Because 94% of Maine’s forest land is privately owned, photographers should always ask for permission before entering private property to track a subject.
• Safety: Snapping turtles are faster than they appear and can bite; photographers are advised to leave them alone, especially when they are laying eggs.
• Lighting: The sources provide detailed legal hunting hour tables, which can serve as a guide for photographers to identify the dawn and dusk periods when wildlife is most active.

Wildlife photography in the Maine woods is like being a silent audience member in a vast, unpredictable theater; while the "actors" like moose and eagles are always on stage, the best performances happen only for those who wait quietly in the shadows.