Norris Island Paddler's Access Trail

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Paddle to Norris Island in Androscoggin Lake to spend an afternoon birdwatching and fishing or stay the night in the cabin owned by Kennebec Land Trust.
Trail Activity
Paddling
Length
3.00 miles, One Way
Difficulty
Easy
Towns
Wayne, Leeds
Surface
Water - Lake/Pond
Pets
Permitted
Fees
No

Description

Norris Island was a key acquisition for the Kennebec Land Trust. Purchased by KLT in 1997 through the Islands of Hope fundraising campaign, this property is the largest island in Androscoggin Lake, with 4,500 feet of undeveloped shoreline. Beyond providing public access to land on Androscoggin Lake, this property protects important habitat, water quality, and a beautiful scenic viewshed. Boating, fishing, and bird-watching are popular activities to pursue on the shallow Androscoggin Lake. Loons, osprey, eagles, and heron are commonly sighted near the island.

Norris Island’s unique black sand beach and pcinic areas can be enjoyed by day visitors and campers alike. There are two campsites and a cabin located on the island, which can be reserved on the KLT website at www.tklt.org/norrisislandcamp. Reservations open January 1, so make sure to sign up early if you want to enjoy everything Norris Island has to offer!

The property contains no marked trails except around the campsites.

Other Information

Norris Island is accessible only by boat or across the ice in the winter. No motorized vehicles are permitted on the island. Dogs are allowed on a leash or under voice command. Please clean up after your pets.

Trail Manager

For more information about reservations and a printable map please visit KLT Norris Island or contact:

Kennebec Land Trust
PO Box 261
Winthrop, ME 04364
Phone: (207) 377-2848
info@tklt.org
View website

Nearby Events

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Trail Tips

Plan Ahead and Prepare
Be prepared for extreme weather. Bring rain/wind gear, warm clothing, and matches/fire starters.

Trailhead Information

Access to Norris Island is by water only. There are multiple boat launches on Androscoggin Lake:

  • Maine State Boat Launch: The Androscoggin Lake Maine State Boat Launch is located just west of downtown Wayne on ME-133. Look for the large paved parking area on the left 0.5 miles west of Tubby's Ice Cream.
  • Riverbend Campground (Fee to park, overnight parking allowed): 
    • From ME-219: Turn south onto ME-106 approximately 4 miles west of Wayne. Riverbend Campground will be on your right after 1.5 miles.
    • From US-202: Turn north onto ME-206 4 miles north of Greene and 8 miles south of Winthrop. Riverbend Campground will be on your left just after the bridge in 7 miles.
  • Androscoggin Yacht Club (No overnight parking): From Tubby's Ice Cream and the Wayne Fire Department, travel 600 feet west on ME-133, then turn left onto Memorial Park Lane. After another 600 feet, turn right onto Lake Street. The Yacht Club is on the left at the end of the street. There is no overnight parking permitted here.
  • Stinchfield Point Beach (Leeds residents only): From the Leeds Post Office, travel north on ME-106 for 1.5 miles, then bear right to continue onto Lakeshore Drive. After 1 mile, turn right onto Stinchfield Beach Road. Keep right until Stinchfield Beach Road ends at the boat launch. The boat launch and beach are for Leeds Residents only.
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