Kayakers take to serene Runaround Pond | Column

 Kayakers encounter sparse vegetation on Runaround Pond in Durham. (Ron Chase photo) From my viewpoint, one word describes Runaround Pond in Durham: serene. I first “discovered” the peaceful pond five years ago when I was looking for an easy paddling location with quality water access while rehabilitating from hip surgery. The scenic pond met my requirements and more. I’ve returned several times since and have always been impressed with the excellence of the experience. The narrow, 2.7-mile-long body of water offers many appealing attractions. Sheltered on all sides, a pleasant paddle can be enjoyed even on a breezy day. The irregular shoreline is largely undeveloped, leaving the impression of a remote wilderness environment. Beavers, otters and deer are often seen. Encountering scores of turtles sunning themselves on logs during the summer months is a certainty. The pond is a bird watcher’s paradise. Eagles, ospreys, kingfishers, herons, red-winged blackbirds and others are regularly observed. The swampy aquatic vegetation produces a variety of radiant flora. The only access to the pond is located in secluded Runaround Pond Park. The park consists of a rustic boat landing perfect for launching kayaks and canoes, a picnic area, hiking trail, toilet, and parking spaces for a few vehicles. Steep ledges next to the boat ramp are a popular fishing spot and a location for visitors to enjoy views of the pond. As a result, it is a popular destination particularly for paddlers and fishermen. When our friend, Shweta Galway, announced a spring Penobscot Paddle & Chowder Society trip on Runaround Pond, it was an easy sell for my wife, Nancy, and me. We were excited for a visit while the water level was high and the anticipated relatively sparse vegetation would facilitate a more extensive exploration of the pond’s tributaries. When the three of us arrived at the park on a warm, partly sunny, breezy afternoon, two fishermen were casting lines from the ledges next to the boat landing. A welcome advantage of the landing, we were able to back vehicles down to the water to launch our kayaks. Advertisement We departed into a light headwind in an easterly direction. Rather than a nuisance, the modest breeze was refreshing and kept occasional blackflies away. Around the first bend, we flushed up a Great Blue Heron that always seems to be waiting in the same location. Soon after, we passed a large beaver lodge on the right where we’ve seen beavers swimming in the past. Alas, not this day. [](https://w2pcms.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/TR-Shweta-Galway-kayaks-on-Runaround-Brook-070326.jpg) Shweta Galway, of Freeport, emerges in a kayak from a culvert on Runaround Brook. (Ron Chase photo) After a long mile, we arrived at a major junction. The left fork leads to Runaround Brook after about 1.5 miles of paddling. Right travels north to Libby Brook, which we’ve never been able to reach due to congested vegetation. We turned left and began navigating in a narrowing, twisting channel. Swamp grass was just beginning to rise above the water and a handful of yellow pond lilies were starting to bloom. In a few weeks, the beautiful lilies and equally elegant purple pickerel rushes will dominate the marshy landscape. Traveling steadily eastward, we rounded one bend after another, each offering a serene scenic view. We soon passed the only home visible from the pond. Situated on the right with a kayak resting on the shore, the unobtrusive residence seemed to blend into the environment. A small dock is located on the left around the next turn. Several canoes and kayaks are stacked on racks a short distance from shore. By summer, passage beyond this point is impeded by dense aquatic growth. We benefited from the high water and sparse vegetation that spring offers. Persisting through an attenuated, twisting corridor, we entered Runaround Brook and continued through a large culvert under Auburn-Pownal Road. Shortly after, shallow water forced our return. Advertisement [](https://w2pcms.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/TR-kaykers-on-Runaround-Pond-2-070326.jpg) Kayakers navigate narrow channels on the north fork of Runaround Pond. (Ron Chase photo) Once back at the junction, we turned left onto the north fork and proceeded towards Libby Brook. The character of the north fork is similar to the east with circuitous channels leading through thickening vegetation. However, this time, our progress was halted by a beaver dam before reaching the brook. A gentle tailwind helped propel us back to the landing. With over three hours of serene kayaking completed, we decided to forego a short trip through a concrete tunnel under Runaround Pond Road to the ancient outlet dam that marks the beginning of Chandler River. We’ll save that adventure for another day. My book, “Maine Al Fresco: The Fifty Finest Outdoor Adventures in Maine,” narrates numerous lake, whitewater, ocean and river trips around the state. _The author of “The Great Mars Hill Bank Robbery” and “Mountains for Mortals – New England,” Ron Chase resides in Topsham. His latest book, “Maine Al Fresco: The Fifty Finest Outdoor Adventures in Maine,” is available at North Country Press and through online retailers. Visit his website at ronchaseoutdoors.com or he can be reached at [\[email protected\]](/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection)._ [](https://www.bowdoin.edu/?utm_source=TimesRecord&utm_medium=SupportingSponsorship) **The Times Record Sustaining Sponsor **We believe a community must be informed to thrive. 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