Children’s Activities

We are a family-friendly lodge. We have a swing set and playground for kids to enjoy. They can swim off our dock and bike around the property with little traffic. We have two small kids of our own and they enjoy meeting new friends and playing outside. 

Another great kid-friendly activity is taking a picnic to the Public Beach on Lower Shin Pond. There is plenty of sand to play in and room to swim.

Hiking

The trails nearby are less traveled and in remote areas. It is not unusual not to see anyone else on a hike, whether it is in Baxter, KWW, or on private land. There is very limited cell service on most of the trails. We ask that you plan ahead and take risks accordingly. Always bring a map, water, snacks, and appropriate layers. Let us know where you are headed before you go so we can keep an eye if you are out for longer than expected. Happy Trails!

Shin Brook Falls: Take a right out of our driveway onto route 159. Go 4 miles then take a left onto a dirt road. There will be a wooden white sign on a tree that says “Shin Brook Falls”. Continue less than a mile until the road turns to the right, where there will be a big parking area and the trailhead. The hike is about 1 mile and fairly flat until the end. The falls is an excellent fishing spot as well.

Sawtelle Falls/Deadwater: Take a right from the driveway and go 5.7 miles. This will take you over the Seboeis river. Take your first right after the river onto Scraggly Lake Road. Go 1.5 miles. The trailhead is just past the bridge on the right.

Seboeis River Trail: Take a right out of the driveway and continue 5 miles. The trail parking lot will be on the right before a bridge. This trail is a newly graveled path that follows the river upstream. It is not a loop, so note your start time and plan accordingly.

Mount Chase: Take a left out of the driveway. Continue to the Owls Nest Restaurant and take a left on the Owlsboro road (dirt road). Drive to the end of the road where it will connect to Rt 11. Take a left and head north on Rt 11  for 2 miles and turn left onto Mountain Road (dirt road). Continue for 2 miles until the road hooks left and there is a small clearing. There will be a grassy area with a picnic table. The trailhead is to the right past a culvert at the end of the field. The hike is 3.4 miles on a moderate incline. It begins as an ATV trail and then turns into a rocky hiking trail. Plan for at least 1.5 hours round trip.

Sugarloaf: Take a left out of our driveway. Drive 5 miles then take a right on to the Grondin Road. It is a dirt road a little bit past the Mount Chase Town Office. If you pass Libby Camps you have gone too far. Stay on the Grondin road for 6.7 miles. Bear right at the 5.5 mile mark. At 5.9 miles, stay left. Park on the right after a wooden bridge at 6.7 miles. The road continues but it is in rough shape and needs to be walked. Continue straight through the T on foot for 0.6 miles until you reach another T. Go left and continue for 0.2 miles to the trailhead which will be on your right with a small clearing. From the trailhead the summit is 1 mile.

Lower Shin Pond Public Beach: Take a left out of our driveway. Continue over the bridge and take the first right after the Wilderness Variety Store (Beachshore Drive). Then take the second right. The beach is 300 feet down this road.

Paddling

Upper Shin Pond: Depart from the lawn at the lodge! Feel free to borrow our boats and explore Upper Shin Pond. Head left (north) to view the larger part of the pond and get spectacular views of Mt Chase.

Grand Lake Matagamon: Take a right out of our driveway towards Baxter State Park. Continue for 15.5 miles. You will pass the Matagamon Wilderness Store and the road will turn to dirt. Once on the dirt, you are almost there! Continue for 1.3 miles. There will be a parking area and boat launch on your right. Grand Lake Matagamon is a large lake with many islands and coves to explore. It does get windy in the afternoons, so we recommend getting an early start.