A group of paddlers navigate north on Dyer Long Pond in Jefferson. (Ron Chase photos)

I “discovered” Dyer Long Pond in Jefferson while studying my Delorme Maine Atlas for prospective lakes and ponds to explore in central Maine. A banana-shaped body of water with several inlets, coves and small peninsulas, the approximately 3-mile-long pond appeared to be an excellent paddling destination.

Dyer Long Pond is situated in a remote wilderness area of Jefferson that is off the beaten path. On the map, it looks like one of those locations that qualifies for the phrase, “you can’t get there from here.” There is a State of Maine–designated, hand-carry boat landing on the western shore at the approximate midpoint in the pond.

When my wife, Nancy, and I decided to paddle the intriguing pond on a hot, sunny, late-July day with light northerly winds predicted, we extended an invitation to several frequent paddling companions. Four enthusiastic boaters agreed to join us on short notice.

Locating the boat landing on Dyer Long Pond required some investigation. Traveling Route 215 south from Cooper’s Mills in Jefferson, turn left onto Hinks Road and follow it for about one-half mile to a boat landing sign on the right. A lengthy dirt road continues to the landing where there is ample parking and a paved loading zone.

A kayaker explores a swampy area in the northern part of Dyer Long Pond.

We launched a tandem canoe and four solo kayaks on the mirror calm pond and began traveling north along the west shore. Several small homes and cottages were passed but no activity was observed. The pond remained very quiet throughout our voyage.

The northern end of the pond is undeveloped and ripe for exploration. Two of us found a small brook that feeds the pond from the north and began a reconnaissance. Guarded by a field of lily pads and thick swamp grass, we reached a point of no return after persisting for a modest distance in a narrow, twisting channel. Purple loosestrife colorfully decorated the marshy area. Unfortunately, the perennial herb is an invasive species and poses a threat to wetland ecosystems by outcompeting native vegetation and reducing the habitat for wildlife.

After regrouping along a wooded section on the northern shore, the entire entourage began paddling south along the east shore past a handful of cottages, many embedded into a relatively steep embankment. Again, the camps were remarkably quiet.

At the approximate midway point, we traversed west across the pond and stopped at the boat landing for a lunch break. While there, a solo kayaker launched into the pond and two fishermen arrived to test their luck from shore.

With the exception of a few cottages on the west shore, the southern half of the pond is largely undeveloped. We passed a prominent peninsula on the east side and entered a narrowing body of water where extensive swamp grass dominates the western shoreline.

Progressing south, we navigated through a twisting, attenuated passage to an old dam at the southern outlet. When paddling closer to inspect, the deteriorating structure was obviously in poor condition. Debris had accumulated at the rim and manually adding and removing boards from slots in the dam appear to be the method used to manage the pond level. The land around the dam is posted, so we were unable to investigate further.

Paddlers investigate the dam at the southern outlet of Dyer Long Pond.

According to my research, approximately 10 years ago, a dispute arose about maintaining acceptable water levels on the pond. In 2018, the Maine Department of Environmental Protection held a hearing in Jefferson concerning the matter. According to a news report, camp owners believed the dam owner was allowing the pond level to drop too low. It’s unclear if the issue was resolved, but the water level seemed adequate during our trip. However, it does not appear the aging dam allows for migration of alewives into the pond.

Our return trip was a delight. A light headwind provided relief from the hot, steamy weather as we slowed our pace to take full advantage of the exceptional scenery and serene environment.

The lone kayaker met earlier was the only boater seen during our voyage. I recommend Dyer Long Pond for paddlers in search of a quiet scenic lake or pond trip in central Maine.

My book, “Maine Al Fresco: The Fifty Finest Outdoor Adventures in Maine,” devotes 28 chapters to paddling Maine’s lakes, ponds, rivers and the coastline.

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.