Penobscot

Penobscot 9 12 Miles from Bucksport see map on page 24

www.penobscot-maine.com

Within the boundaries of Penobscot, which gets its name from the AbenakiPenobscot word for “rocky place,” you’ll fi nd two small, ancient mountains, two large ponds, a ridge of fertile farmland, several blueberry fi elds, a peat bog, and more than 18 miles of shoreland on an ocean bay, a tidal river, and a large freshwater pond. At one time larger than Bangor in population, the rural town of Penobscot, which borders Orland, Castine, and Blue Hill, now has fewer than 1300 residents, many of whom make their living with home-based businesses and family farms. There is a general store, some delicious seafood drive-in and take-out restaurants, and an annual Penobscot Days celebration. Some of the residents are descendants of early 18th-century settlers; some arrived more recently and liked what they found; and some are seasonal residents, who come to enjoy the lush and gentle summers. The Bagaduce River fl ows through the town, and Penobscot’s woods and wetlands are home to many native species, including deer, bears, foxes, beavers, otters, osprey, eagles, hawks, songbirds, wild turkey--and the occasional moose. Six preserves, parks, and designated public trails provide excellent hiking, as well as hunting, so hikers during the deer hunting season (November) should proceed with caution, keep dogs on leashes, and wear blaze orange.