Sunrise over Great East Lake in York County, Maine
Those who own Maine lakefront real estate on the clean, clear water of Great East Lake, know that it has been a magnet for vacationers, campers and fishermen for over 100 years. Located an hour and a half from Boston, this boundary water is shared by the towns of Acton, Maine and Wakefield, New Hampshire. The lake forms the headwaters to the Salmon Falls River, a tributary of the Piscataqua River.

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Great East Lake covers 1,768 acres in surface area, has a maximum depth of 102 feet and a mean depth of 35 feet. Its water quality and clarity are rated above average. The water quality testing is monitored by volunteers Chuck Hodsdon and Dave Lafone.This class “A” water hosts a variety of  fish species including brook trout, brown trout, and lake trout, pickerel, bass, perch, and sucker. A public boat launch can be reached from Route 109 and Young’s Ridge Road.
The Great East Lake Improvement Association works hard to maintain the superior water quality. The GELIA began in 1932, when founding members saw the need “to enhance and protect the quality of the lake and the surrounding habitat today and for future generations to enjoy.”
Waterfront vacation property is much sought after on this Golden Pond. Paddle along the shoreline to gather wild blueberries. Listen to the call of the loons. Photograph the sunrises and sunsets. Own lakefront property here and you can do it all on one of the most desirable lakes in Maine.
Acton is a rural community, located near Sanford, Maine and not far from the beaches and shopping outlets along Route 1 in York County.
The following excerpt from Sesquicentennial History of Acton, Maine, prepared by Olive M. Treadwell, Lorraine Yeaton, Virginia B. Davies, Rita Cahill and Paul Farland describes some of Acton’s history: “Acton’s commercial history was highlighted by two rather unique engineering feats: construction of the Great East Canal and the Acton Silver Mines. The Great East Canal, part of a system of dams and waterworks that controls water flow on the Salmon Falls, was constructed during the 1850s and 60s. The 3/4-mile canal was blasted through ledge and included a granite archway at the bridge crossing.
During the later 1800s, a number of silver mines were developed in South Acton near Goding Brook and the Lebanon town line. During this era, there was a surge of interest nation-wide in gold and silver mining, and after the discovery of a significant silver vein in Acton in 1877, a series of mine shifts were drilled. Mining activity peaked during the 1880s and declined thereafter, leading to abandonment of the mines. Today, a series of water-filled shafts and building foundations are still evident.”  More information about the mining can be found at the Acton-Shapleigh Historical Society.
The Acton Fair, held annually in August, takes place at the Acton Fairgrounds on Route 109. Across from the fairgrounds, Big Daddy’s Clam Shack and Barbecue offers the finest seafood and ribs in the area.
Great East Lake is home to a variety of lakefront properties. Check out all the current waterfront properties for sale by clicking on the green box above.