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Otis, Maine

Lakes and forests of Downeast Maine

Overview

Otis is a small rural community known for its pristine ponds and extensive forests. The town offers excellent fishing at Beech Hill Pond and numerous smaller waters, as well as prime hunting grounds. Incorporated in 1835 and named for Harrison Gray Otis, a Boston statesman, this inland Downeast community has maintained its wilderness character while remaining accessible to Ellsworth and Bangor.

Key Facts

Population 598
Region Downeast & Acadia
County Hancock
Founded 1835
Nearest City Ellsworth (30 minutes)

What Otis Is Known For

Otis Local Highlights

Beech Hill Pond
This 876-acre pond offers excellent bass, perch, and pickerel fishing, with public boat access and scenic shoreline that draws anglers and paddlers throughout the warm months.
Flooded Bog Preserve
The Hancock County Trustees of Public Reservations maintain this unique wetland area, providing habitat for rare plants and waterfowl while offering visitors a glimpse of Maine's bog ecosystems.
Rural Woodland Character
Otis has avoided suburban development, maintaining the forested landscape and quiet roads that define inland Downeast Maine—a rare quality within easy reach of larger towns.
Dark Sky Country
The town's low population density and minimal light pollution make it excellent for stargazing, with clear views of the Milky Way on moonless nights.

Things to Do

1
Fish Beech Hill Pond
Launch from the public boat ramp to fish for largemouth bass, chain pickerel, and yellow perch in one of Hancock County's most productive warmwater fisheries.
2
Explore Flooded Bog
Walk the trails through this protected wetland to observe pitcher plants, sundews, and the specialized ecosystem of a Maine bog.
3
Paddle the Inland Waters
Beech Hill Pond and smaller waters offer quiet paddling with chances to spot loons, herons, and eagles along undeveloped shorelines.
4
Hunt the Mixed Forests
The combination of hardwood ridges, softwood swamps, and regenerating cuts provides excellent deer and grouse habitat with minimal hunting pressure.
5
Enjoy Backroad Cycling
The quiet roads through Otis offer peaceful cycling through a landscape of forest, bog, and occasional farm fields.

Living in Otis

Otis offers affordable rural living with genuine wilderness character just 30 minutes from Ellsworth. The town has no commercial development—residents rely on Ellsworth and Bangor for shopping and services. The approximately 600 residents have chosen this life for its peace, natural beauty, and access to outdoor recreation. Properties range from modest camps on smaller ponds to year-round homes on larger parcels of woodland.

Weather & Seasons

summer

Warm and pleasant, 70-80°F

winter

Cold with snow, 15-30°F

spring

Cool and wet, 40-55°F

fall

Beautiful foliage, 45-60°F

Local Wildlife & Nature

Moose White-tailed deer Black bear Loons Great blue herons Bald eagles Beaver

How to Get There

Otis is located on Route 180 between Ellsworth and East Holden, about 45 minutes from Bangor. The town's backroads connect to Mariaville, Clifton, and Dedham.

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

Satellite preview

Otis outline

Frequently Asked Questions

How big is Beech Hill Pond?

Beech Hill Pond covers 876 acres with a maximum depth of about 50 feet. It has public boat access and supports a healthy warmwater fishery including bass, pickerel, and perch.

Is there public land in Otis?

The Flooded Bog Preserve, managed by the Hancock County Trustees of Public Reservations, provides public access to a unique wetland ecosystem. Most other land is privately owned forestland.

How far is Otis from Acadia National Park?

Otis is about 35 minutes from the entrance to Acadia National Park, making it a quiet alternative to staying in busier coastal communities while still having easy access to the park.

Nearby Towns

Explore More

Downeast & Acadia Region Seasonal Guide Wildlife & Nature