Burnham, Maine

Quiet town on Unity Pond and the Sebasticook

Overview

Burnham borders Unity Pond, offering boating, fishing, and camp life on one of central Maine’s largest lakes. Fields, forests, and the Sebasticook River define the rest of town, while I-95 and nearby Pittsfield provide quick connections for commuters.

Key Facts

Population 1,150

Region Kennebec Valley

County Waldo

Founded 1824

Nearest City Pittsfield (10 minutes)

Town Office Visit official website

What Burnham Is Known For

Burnham Local Highlights

Unity Pond shoreline

Public access and camp roads on a popular warm-water lake.

Central location

Midway between Waterville and Bangor with fast interstate access.

Rail and river heritage

Historic corridors along the Sebasticook once carried freight and now serve recreation.

Things to Do

Boat Unity Pond

Launch for swimming, paddling, and fishing through the summer.

Country rides

Cycle or drive quiet backroads toward Unity, Pittsfield, and Clinton.

Wildlife watching

Look for eagles and waterfowl along the Sebasticook River corridor.

Living in Burnham

Burnham offers lakeside opportunities and affordable homes with most services in Pittsfield or Waterville. Residents value the mix of farm fields, water access, and interstate convenience.

Weather & Seasons

summer

Warm, 70-82 F

winter

Cold, 8-28 F with steady snow

spring

Cool, 40-55 F and muddy side roads

fall

Cool, 45-60 F with lakeside foliage

How to Get There

Access Burnham via I-95 Exit 132 (Pittsfield) or Route 11/100; Route 139 links to Unity and Fairfield.

Satellite preview shows the approximate town outline to help you get oriented before you arrive.

Satellite preview

Burnham outline

Outdoor Recreation

Boating & Sailing

June - September

Fishing in Maine 2026: Complete Freshwater & Saltwater Guide

Year-round (Open water & Ice fishing)

Ice Fishing

Winter (January - March)

Snowmobiling in Maine: 14,000 Miles of Trails & Complete Guide

Winter (December - April)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Burnham known for?

Burnham is known for its Unity Pond (Sebasticook Lake) shoreline access, central location between Waterville and Bangor, and historic rail and river heritage along the Sebasticook River corridor.

How far is Burnham from Pittsfield?

Burnham is about 10 minutes from Pittsfield via I-95 Exit 132 or Route 11/100. The town offers convenient interstate access while providing lakeside living and rural character.

What outdoor activities are available in Burnham?

Burnham offers boating, swimming, and paddling on Unity Pond, fishing for warm-water species, and ice fishing in winter. The Sebasticook River corridor provides excellent eagle and waterfowl watching, and quiet backroads are ideal for cycling.