Branch Lake in Ellsworth or Dodge Point in Tremont?

I am visiting the area in mid-October with my husband and 10 year old daughter. My college daughter will be joining us from Watersville for a few days. We are stuck in deciding between 2 houses. The first is a waterfront house on Dodge Point in Tremont and the second is on Branch Lake near Ellsworth. We like to do kayaking, canoeing and hiking. We are experience river and lake kayakers but have never done any sea kayaking. Would we be okay off Dodge Point? We prefer quiet secluded areas. We will spend some time at Acadia National Park but we will also need to go to Waterville and may go on a ';moose hunting'; trip - pictures only:) Any suggestions?

Branch Lake in Ellsworth or Dodge Point in Tremont?

I can%26#39;t comment on the sea kayaking off Dodge Point but there are many, many other places to do lake kayaking on the island and they%26#39;re very different and many are quite secluded. We bring kayaks and a canoe every year and never run out of places to see. If most of your time is going to be spent in the Park I would stay in Tremont. The traffic from the Branch Lake area can be quite congested and it could take a while to get back and forth. Plus if you like hiking you are in the perfect location.

Branch Lake in Ellsworth or Dodge Point in Tremont?

There are some differences between lake and sea kayaking, but you know the fundamentals, so Dodge Point shouldn%26#39;t be a problem. If the winds are too high for you out from the point, you can explore the Seal Cove area. I would recommend that you use sea kayaks rather than lake kayaks.

I agree with mrsomes---the drive from Branch Lake to Acadia National Park can be very slow.