MAINE SUNDAY TELEGRAM • March 13, 2022
Cruising along at 55 miles per hour on U.S. Route 1A through the outskirts of Ellsworth a half-dozen miles north of downtown, it’s easy to miss the black and white sign that reads “Branch Lake Public Forest.” But now that you know to look for it, you certainly should the next time you’re in the neighborhood. Be sure to have your daypack and hiking shoes with you because there’s a lot to explore at this scenic gem. Branch Lake Public Forest encompasses 239 acres on the southeastern side of the lake, including a 3/4-mile stretch of pristine shoreline. Four foot trails and an old gravel tote road offer hikers more than 3 miles of pleasant meandering. ~ Carey Kish