Rocky Lake Preserve, Whiting

This is a huge protected area that’s been harvested for timber since the mid-19th century. “It will take time to return the property to a healthier mix of age classes,” the Maine Coast Heritage Trust says on its preserve website.

Meanwhile, as the forest regrows, visitors can explore trails, the 4.5 miles of shoreline on the eastern shore of Rocky Lake, and the 1.7 miles of shoreline on the northern shore of Orange Lake.

The 4.2-mile access road is well built, and a low-clearance cars should have no trouble driving along it to the farthest point at Deep Cove. Once there, you’ll find a fairly large parking area and a trail kiosk, a picnic table, and some ledge sloping into the lake—a great place for a swim! You’ll see a trail sign set a short distance behind the kiosk in the woods, ushering you along a well-blazed trail that follows the shore and includes some nice spots by the water. (Not necessarily for swimming though).

At roughly 0.9 miles, you’ll emerge at the end of a gravel road. You can walk the 0.7 miles back to the kiosk and go for a swim.

Additionally, there is a cabin on the property that was occupied when we visited. And we stopped at the first parking area — 0.8 miles from the start of the preserve access road — and found a 0.3-mile blazed trail leading to an outcrop and great view of Orange Lake.

I believe more trails are in development in this area!

Directions: From Route 1, turn onto Dodge Road and drive 0.6 miles. Turn left onto the next gravel road and onto the preserve. The first parking area for Orange Lake hiking trails will be on the left in 0.8 miles. In another mile, you’ll reach a road intersection. Continue driving north (right) along the main road for another 2 more miles and then turn left. The parking area and Deep Cove swimming/picnicking area is another 0.6 miles farther along.