Get Outdoors, Inland
Franklin is tucked in along Route 182. Historically, the town had a solid reputation for quality granite. Today it is part of the Blackwoods Scenic Byway and a gateway to some of the region’ s best hiking and paddling spots.
ELLSWORTH
Dedham, Lucerne, and East Orland offer some of the only true mountain biking trails in the entire region at Dedham Trails and Great Pond Mountain.
As you head north on Route 9, Amherst, Aurora, Osborn, Otis, and Waltham sit nestled amongst lakes and hills perfect for paddling, fishing, hiking, and ATV-ing.
Flexit Cafe, Ellsworth
From Downtown to DownEast
Kayaking on the Union River, Ellsworth
Shop Local
Known for its retail shopping and antiques shops, Ellsworth has something for everyone!
Chicken Barn
Dream Catcher Antiques & Collectables
A1 Relics Union River Book & Toy Co. Elizabeth’ s
Trio & Vinyl Vogue located in Black Moon Public House
Rooster Brother
Set along the Union River, the area’ s original industries included lumber and boat building, seen in the elaborate carving adorning the Ellsworth City Hall. Today, Ellsworth’ s Main Street is filled with retail shops, restaurants, history, museums, cultural attractions, galleries, and more. Ellsworth contains many national brand stores, plus our favorite Mainegrown outlets: L. L. Bean, Renys, and Marden’ s.
Black House Mansion, part of the Woodlawn Museum, is lovingly preserved in historical detail with rare period furniture. Shop the gift shop, enjoy afternoon tea, and explore their 180-acre estate with extensive carriage trails.
As you drive east along Route 9, look north to view Silsby Plain and the Whale’ s Back— geological features that were created by the movement of ancient glaciers.
Three Frenchman Bay Conservancy trails are in Ellsworth:
The Ellsworth Riverwalk follows the Union River and begins in downtown Ellsworth behind the Public Library on State Street. Across from Harbor Park and Marina on Water Street, is Indian Point Preserve, which provides a scenic view of downtown across the Union River. Nearby is Jordan Homestead Preserve, where an easy 1-mile trail explores one of Ellsworth’ s last remaining large parcels with significant river frontage.
Winter Wonderland
With miles of trails, visitors can enjoy Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling in the Amherst Community Forest and Branch Lake Public Forest. With more lakes and ponds than we can count, ice fishing is very popular here. Check out Maine. gov / ifw for a beginner’ s guide to ice fishing.
2026 DOWNEAST ACADIA GUIDE | 7