Shin Pond Village is one of Maine’s recreational gems, offering campsites, cottages, a general store and café, and canoe and kayak rentals, all in the heart of the wild North Country. Shin Pond itself offers great flatwater paddling opportunities, particularly on the lower pond. From the boat launch next to Shin Pond House, head west.

Lower Shin Pond spans approximately 3.0 miles long. Protected forests encompass the lake, and 2,440-foot Mount Chase rises gracefully to the south. Fall is the perfect time for a visit: the changing leaves show off their vibrant color as loons call on the lake and eagles perch in treetops above. Brook trout, bass, and salmon also call this pond home, so don’t forget your pole!

Take a short hike to the impressive Shin Brook Falls, one of Maine’s most memorable waterfalls. From Shin Pond Village, travel northwest on Shin Falls Road for approximately 5 miles and follow signs on your left for Shin Falls. The trail begins to the right of the parking area and starts off through the woods on flat, easy terrain. When the trail forks at 0.1 mile, bear left and continue for another 0.3 mile to the upper falls. Keep small children close at hand as footing becomes more uneven. The trail ends at the upper section of the falls, where you can stare down at the cascading water below. This is your best, safest vantage point; the hike to the lower falls is too dangerous for children. Retrace your steps to the trailhead.

The northern entrance to Baxter State Park is 15 miles northwest of Shin Pond Village on ME 159 and offers an assortment of family-friendly recreational opportunities (see Trip 24).

For alternate paddling, head to the winding, marshy channel of the Sawtelle Deadwater, 10 miles northwest of Shin Pond Village on ME 159. Moose sightings here are often plentiful, particularly in the early mornings throughout May and June.

The town of Patten is 10 miles southeast of Shin Pond Village and is home to the closest grocery store, as well as restaurants and cafés and the Patten Lumbermen’s Museum, where you can learn all about Maine’s logging history.