Branch Lake is the singular source of drinking water for Ellsworth, eastern Maine’s largest coastal city. The lake also serves as a source of timber harvesting and public recreation.

In 2010, Frenchman Bay Conservancy collaborated with the City of Ellsworth, the Trust for Public Land, and the Forest Society of Maine in order to protect Branch Lake.

A generous grant from Land for Maine’s Future helped preserve Branch Lake.

Trail Description

The lake loop trail meanders through the old forest and reaches Branch Lake at 1.3 miles. Allow 1.5 hours for hiking.

Directions

From the corner of Main Street and Route 1A (Oak St.) in downtown Ellsworth, drive north 6.5 miles to the Ellsworth Branch Lake Public Forest sign on your left. Turn left and drive 1 miles to the gravel trail parking lot.