Mt. Desert Island, located off the coast of Maine, is blessed with more than twenty-five lakes and forty streams, but most visitors to the island are attracted by its granite coast and never get to explore “the lake country.” The revised and expanded edition of this one-of-a-kind guide is designed to give visitors the tools they need to get the most of this remarkable feature of Mt. Desert.  

In collaboration with students, graduates, and a professor from College of the Atlantic, author and longtime island summer resident William Newlin offers tips on what lakes are best for activities like boating, swimming, fishing, hiking, biking, and picnicking and provides readers the specific details they will need to make the most of their visit. Just where do you launch your kayak? Where are the best picnic rocks? What fish are available?  

Containing beautiful photos and illustrations, detailed, full-color maps, and informative sidebars that fill the reader in on interesting bits of natural history and local lore, this is an essential resource for vacationers and local adventurers alike.

William V. P. Newlin has been exploring Mt. Desert Island’s many freshwater lakes, ponds and streams for a lifetime—with interruptions when his Foreign Service career took him to such places as Paris, Brussels, Nice, and Guatemala. Whether at home or abroad, he says his main interests include fly-fishing and exploring watery habitats. His enthusiasm and expertise come across clearly in this unique introduction to the islands freshwater—its lakes and streams. Bill and his wife, of 58 years, Louisa, have three grown children and make their home in both Washington, DC, and Northeast Harbor, Maine—where they met more than 60 years ago.
 
Kenneth S. Cline teaches environmental law and policy courses at College of the Atlantic with a special emphasis on fresh water and public lands. He owes a debt of gratitude to his two sons for helping him explore all of MDI’s lakes and ponds over the years.
 
Rachel Briggs, a recent graduate of College of the Atlantic, is headed west for new adventures.
 
A. Addison Namnoum (College of the Atlantic 2014) concentrates her studies on writing and place identity.
 
Brett Ciccotelli loves water and manages an organic farm on Mount Desert Island so he never checks his email.