Several canoe-access sites are located on the lake's pristine shore. The Matagamon Gate , the park's northern entrance, is reached at 42 miles. The drive leaves the park and passes under huge, dark cliffs on the north slope of Horse Mountain . At 44 miles the drive, now on Grand Lake Road, becomes smooth and paved much to the relief of your dusty car. The road crosses the East Branch of the Penobscot River and dashes eastward through rolling hill country studded with lakes and ponds.
Deep woods line the asphalt.
The Seboeis River crossing is at 51 miles. Look for a river-side picnic area on the left. A short distance later is an unmarked pulloff on the right. The road bends southeast and drops down to Shin Pond . Past here the road, once a lumber supply route, becomes state highway 159 and enters more open country dotted with homes and farms.