Parker Pond is a scenic and relatively undeveloped lake situated in Fayette, a growing community 18 miles northwest of Augusta. The town has experienced a population increase of 217 percent over the past four decades as more people have discovered its natural amenities. Despite the surrounding development, though, the shores of 1,600-acre Parker Pond have remained relatively intact and its water quality (which has been monitored for more than 25 years) is well above the state average. A pair of Bald Eagles nest by the Pond and there are numerous undeveloped islands managed by the State Bureau of Parks and Lands.
Thanks to the vision and generosity of the former landowners, a 99-acre headland with nearly a mile of undeveloped shoreline on the Pond will remain wild. The owners offered to sell the land to the Kennebec Land Trust (KLT) for roughly half its appraised cost so that the property could remain in its natural state – a scenic mix of rocky outcrops, high-bush blueberries, and mature stands of Eastern hemlock that stretch up to 100 feet high.
With support from area residents (through the hard work of the Parker Pond Association) and the Land for Maine’s Future program, the KLT was able to secure the funds needed to complete the headland’s purchase. The land trust will own and manage the property and expects to create a walking trail accessible from a parking area at the end of Fellows Cove Road. KLT plans to donate a conservation easement on the land to the Parker Pond Association, ensuring that future management of the land protects water quality and prevents subdivision or development.
Important note: The road to access the property is closed during mud season (March to May).
Closest Town
Fayette
Activities
Bird & other wildlife watching, hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and dog walking (on leash)
Region
Central Maine Lakes District – Kennebec, Androscoggin
Acres
99
Directions from nearest town
DeLorme Maine Atlas and Gazetteer Map 12, A-2. To reach the public boat launch on Parker Pond, take Route 41 north to Mount Vernon, bearing left in town onto Tower Road. The launch site is on the left about 1.5 miles from Route 41.
