Orland brings together rivers and ponds, nature experiences and a long history of fish farming. The town comes especially alive in spring, when alewives migrate up the Orland River and their run can be observed at the fish ladder at Orland Dam. Lakes and ponds also offer opportunities for boating and picnics, while the Wildlands Preserve features trails, viewpoints and birdwatching. Local heritage and an annual community festival are also among the themes you can build a trip around.

Waterways and Activities on the Water

Quiet stretches of the Orland River are suitable for canoes and kayaks. On Toddy Pond, the public boat ramp is at East Orland Boat Landing on Route 1. It is free to use, and parking and restroom facilities are available. As facilities may change, check the latest information before your visit.

Craig Brook National Fish Hatchery offers boat access and picnic areas on Alamoosook Lake and Craig Pond. This gives you several options for a day on the water: quiet stretches for paddling on the Orland River, a public boat launch on Toddy Pond, and boat access and picnic areas at the two lakes near the hatchery.

Spring Fish Migration

Every spring, alewives, also known as river herring, migrate up the Orland River to spawn. This typically happens from mid-May to early June, though the exact timing varies from year to year. At Orland Dam in town, visitors can watch the run from the fish ladder as thousands of fish move upstream. Those hoping to experience this natural event have both a specific viewing spot and a seasonal window to keep in mind.

Migrating fish, especially alewives, also swim upstream in the Narramissic River to reach their spawning grounds. The run on the Orland River and the migration on the Narramissic River are two distinct points of interest for anyone curious about fish migration in Orland.

Trails, Landscapes and Wildlife

The Wildlands Preserve in East Orland covers about 5,100 acres. Its hiking and biking trails range from easy to challenging and lead to scenic viewpoints and other remote spots. More than 150 bird species live in the Wildlands. The preserve is managed to protect habitats and wildlife, support sustainable forestry and provide nature-friendly recreation.

Orland’s landscape ranges from granite ridges and high hills to wetlands and beaver meadows. Great Pond Mountain rises to 1,028 feet; eight clear lakes and ponds, along with trout-filled streams, also shape the natural landscape. Herons and ducks use the shallow mudflats along the Orland River. Birders can find a wide variety of species in the Wildlands, while riverbanks, waterways and wetlands offer a range of other habitats.

Fish Farming and Local Heritage

Orland’s fish-farming history dates back to the 19th century: in 1889, Craig Brook Station became the first federal fish hatchery in the United States to raise anadromous Atlantic salmon. The Orland Historical Society also preserves the town’s history through artifacts, photographs and exhibits.

Craig Brook National Fish Hatchery connects this history with present-day opportunities on the water: the hatchery offers boat access and picnic areas on Alamoosook Lake and Craig Pond. History and nature experiences are both part of the town’s appeal, though they need not be the same focus of a visit.

Orland River Day in September

Orland River Day is an annual community festival held every September on the Orland River, along Naramissic Drive and at the Orland Community Center. These locations give the festival several venues; the specific activities may vary. Check the dates and program for your travel period before your trip.

Two distinct seasonal windows can shape your trip planning: the alewife run typically takes place from mid-May to early June, while Orland River Day is held in September. Since the timing of the fish run shifts from year to year and festival activities may vary, it is worth checking both before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Castine, Southwest Harbor, Surry, Bar Harbor, Gouldsboro, Dedham, Swans Island, Mount Desert

For the broader travel overview: Hancock.