For several years, I’ve organized Penobscot Paddle & Chowder Society spring whitewater trips on Togus Stream from Chelsea to Randolph where it joins the Kennebec River. Those adventures recently motivated me to investigate the source of the stream, Togus Pond in Augusta.

My research indicated Togus Pond is separated into two distinct bodies of water called Togus Pond and Lower Togus Pond. Togus Pond is a wide, circular pond whereas Lower Togus Pond is elongated with numerous coves, inlets and islands. Lower Togus Pond appeared to be a much more appealing destination for kayak exploration, so that was my choice.

After identifying a hot, sunny July day with light, southerly winds forecast, I sent an email invitation to the usual suspects. My neighbor and friend, Seth Blodgett, was free and agreed to join me.

The only boat access to Lower Togus Pond is located on Route 105 in Augusta. The small, hand-carry landing has a paved parking area with space for a few vehicles.

The skies were partly cloudy and winds were nonexistent when we arrived at the boat launch. After carrying boats through a narrow path for a short distance, we embarked in two solo flatwater kayaks.

The first thing that impressed us about northern Lower Togus Pond was that it was essentially undeveloped. Initially, we cruised south through a narrow passage with swamp grass along both shores. Soon after entering a widening section of the pond, we passed a family of loons feeding in a cove on the western shore, indicative of an abundant fish population. A confusing array of islands, peninsulas and coves populate this part of the pond. Lacking an obvious route south, we followed a twisting path that was free of swamp grass and lily pads.

The character of the pond gradually transitioned from swampy terrain to a more rugged, rocky shoreline. Ledge outcroppings were observed on several of the small islands in the central part of the pond. We stopped for lunch on one of the ledges which had a convenient place to land. An old stone fire ring at the top was evidence fires had been built there in the past and the site may have been used for camping.

More route finding was necessary when we set off again. We chose a narrow passageway between some small islands and emerged into open water. A large inlet on the left appeared to be a cul-del-sac, so we elected to angle right into an attenuated channel.

We made the right choice, passing a cottage on the right and entering narrows with a developed shoreline. A colony of camps and year-round homes line both shores nearing the southern terminus of the pond.

At that point, we had not seen anyone on the water. Numerous paddle boats were associated with the camps, but there was an apparent absence of motor boats. We stopped to talk with three women who were swimming to escape the heat. They reported there was no prohibition against motorboats but their access is limited to launching from the cottages, so there aren’t many on the pond.

We progressed south through a field of lily pads to the outlet dam near Route 17. The dam is an interesting contrast of old and new. Originally built in 1804 and rebuilt in the 1980s, the Worromontogus Lake Association is the owner. A fishway was completed in 2019, and the unique design is considered one of finest in the country. Getting out of our boat to view the interesting facility was worth the effort.

The fishway has successfully reintroduced alewives into Togus Pond. The hope is that other species which populate the stream, such as Atlantic salmon, will climb the ladder and spawn in the pond.

The return trip was one of pure bliss. We benefited from a gentle tailwind, sunny skies and warm temperatures while traveling through one of central Maine’s most scenic ponds. Remarkably, no other boaters were encountered during our voyage.

Lower Togus Pond is the ideal destination for boaters searching for an outstanding paddling experience on a predominantly undeveloped remote pond with quality access. We’ll be back.

My book, “Maine Al Fresco: The Fifty Finest Outdoor Adventures in Maine,” narrates 28 paddle trips on Maine’s rivers, streams, lakes and ponds, and along the coast.

Ron Chase resides in Topsham. His latest book, “Maine Al Fresco: The Fifty Finest Outdoor Adventures in Maine” is available at northcountrypress.com/maine-al-fresco or in bookstores and through online retailers. His previous books are “The Great Mars Hill Bank Robbery” and “Mountains for Mortals – New England.” Visit his website at ronchaseoutdoors.com or he can be reached at ronchaseoutdoors@comcast.net.