Carry Ponds and Kennebec River Crossing

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After having finished the Bigelow Mountains, there is easier well deserved terrain with scenic lakes to enjoy. The trail passes West, East and Middle Carry Ponds. These ponds were part of a portage route used by Native Americans as they traveled between the Maine coast and the St. Lawrence River, allowing them to avoid the dangerous rapids on the Kennebec River. They called it the Great Carrying Place.

Appalachian Trail Sights

1775 Arnold Expedition Portage Route

Colonel Benedict Arnold led a force of 1,100 Continental Army troops on an expedition from Cambridge in the Province of Massachusetts Bay to the gates of Quebec City. The expedition was part of a two-pronged invasion of the British Province of Quebec, and passed through this location, it what is now Maine wilderness.

The Kennebec River is the most formidable un-bridged crossing along the Appalachian Trail. The crossing is about 400 feet wide with a swift and powerful current. Up the river, water released from hydroelectric facilities can change the depth and current of the river quickly and unpredictably. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy has contracted with a guide to provide ferry service for AT hikers in a canoe. The service is free for hikers during the main hiking season.

Pierce Pond

This campsite and shelter is very popular for AT hikers because it is the last official site before reaching the Kennebec River Crossing. Nearby, just 0.3 miles on a side trail is Harrisons Place, a traditional Maine sporting camp. The camp caters primarily to anglers and hunters, but is very friendly to AT hikers, and is known for a large pancake breakfast.

Kennebec River

From Pierce Pond, the trail follows the Pierce Pond Stream 3.7 miles as it cascades down the mountain to the Kennebec River. Crossings start at 9 a.m. so enjoy the walk.

Once across the river, it is a few minutes walk up to US Route 201 road crossing and the town of Caratunk. A nearby hostel called Sterling Inn picked us up and was an enjoyable stay with a good re-supply of treats.