The Hodgdon Island preserve is a beautiful 17-acre parcel on the southwest side of the picturesque island on Cobbossee Lake in Winthrop. In the summer, the island is accessible only by boat; visitors can land on the west end of the island at Sunset Beach. The beach area provides a granite ledge as well as a sandy bottom which combined make the spot perfect for summer picnics and swimming. In the winter, the island can be accessed by cross-country ski or snowshoe when ice thickness is determined to be adequate.
The one-mile trail on the southwest section of the island is complete with ample views of the wooded shoreline, neighboring wetlands, and the spectacular interior forest. Visitors’ favorite activities include paddling, hiking, fishing, hunting (although only bow and duck hunting are allowed), and birding. Due to its secluded nature, the island has become a breeding ground for local and migratory birds. Bald eagles, ospreys, barred owls, kingfishers, loons, great blue heron, and more can be sighted on the island and surrounding lake.
Quiet, day-use only; please respect wildlife and other visitors and refrain from walking on the private trails on the north end of the island.
Hodgdon Island has a long history of human use. Archaeological evidence suggests that people have been hunting and fishing on and around the island as far back as 7,500 years ago. More recently in the 18th and 19th centuries, farmers used the islands on Cobbossee for woodlots and pastures. Hodgdon Island was specifically used for harvesting lumber and fuel wood. The practice remained common up until the mid-1900s. It was during this time that the forest was allowed to regrow, and formed the mature stands of white pines, red oaks, and white cedar that can be seen today.
Visit Kennebec Land Trust online for more information and a printable map, or contact:
There are two public boat launches on Cobbossee Lake: one on Turtle Run Road just off US-202 in East Winthrop, and a second off ME-135, in Monmouth, on the southwest shore of the lake. There is an informal access point in Manchester at the intersection of the Pond Road and Collins Road at the Cobbossee Stream outlet.
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