Maine whitewater, Union River - East Branch Hancock county, Steep Landing to West Branch section whitewater kayaking, rafting, and paddling information.   CLASS I-II     19.4 miles   The Steep Landing to West Branch stretch of Union River - East Branch in Maine is 19.4 miles long and is rated by American Whitewater as a class I-II section. The nature scenery of Hancock County and the beautiful way the water current moves down the stream beats anything. And of course, there are campgrounds nearby. Getting your paddling muscles activated and spending some quality time in nature have a lot of people coming here. You might     be into whitewater rafting or kayaking or both, doesn't matter, there are lots of good places for that around here. The rivers for whitewater rafting and kayaking in this state are often easier than in other states, so you'd better keep in mind that quite a few of the sections in this state are pretty easy. The Steep Landing to West Branch stretch is one of many paddling stretches in this river system. The starting point is not too far from Bangor, if you're not familiar with the area there's a road map further down the page. The nearby hotels are a bit away from the river, but if you don’t have reservations you might end up sleeping in your car. You can   enjoy this stretch more if you take your time, so pack your sleeping bag. Briefly about the general area: One of the best things about Union River - East Branch is its proximity to Jesse Beach, and Union River - East Branch is not far at all from Ellsworth. Beaches are great; and Dunn Beach in the neighborhood of Union River - East Branch is no exception, and on a good day you can take a hike along the Eagle Lake Trail. At this river you will never have a bad time. If the weather is delightful here at Union River - East Branch, you can go for a hike along the Lead Mountain Trail. Union River - East Branch, Steep Landing to West Branch road map Printable road map with the put-in and take-out locations clearly marked.     Map Detailed Map Stats Stats for this river stretch Weather Local weather forecast These outdoors activities are available near Union River - East Branch.   Whitewater Near Union River - East Branch: Union River - West Branch, Hancock County, 8 miles away       Class I-II - 17 miles long (Great Pond to Goodwin Bridge) Union River - East Branch, Hancock County, 8 miles away       Class I-II - 19.4 miles long (Steep Landing to West Branch) Sunkhaze Stream, Penobscot County, 10 miles away       Class -blank- - 15 miles long (headwater to Penobscot River) Narraguagus River, Washington County, 12 miles away       Class I-II - 25 miles long (Deer Lake to Deblois) Narraguagus River - West Branch, Hancock Washington County, 13 miles away       Class II-III - 14 miles long (Denbow Peat Mine to Sprague Falls 1) Tannery Brook River, Hancock County, 14 miles away       Class I-III - 4.5 miles long (Route 180 to Graham Lake) Union River, Hancock County, 16 miles away       Class I-II - 0.5 miles long (Ellsworth Falls to Ellsworth) Nicatous Stream, Hancock County, 17 miles away       Class I-III - 7.8 miles long (Nicatous Lake to Pistol Green) Narraguagus River, Washington County, 18 miles away       Class I-V - 17.3 miles long (Deblois to Cherryfield) Passadumkeag River, Penobscot County, 18 miles away       Class V - 0.8 miles long (Saponac to Upper Lord Brook)   Ski Areas Near Union River - East Branch: New Hermon Mountain, Maine , 45 miles away, 360 foot drop, 3 lifts, 21 runs Camden, Maine , 66 miles away, 1150 foot drop, 3 lifts, 11 runs Big Squaw, Maine , 87 miles away, 1750 foot drop, 4 lifts, 15 runs Bigrock, Maine , 90 miles away, 980 foot drop, 5 lifts, 28 runs Eaton Mountain, Maine , 93 miles away, 525 foot drop, 2 lifts, 15 runs   Beaches Near Union River - East Branch: Dunn Beach, Hancock , 13 miles away Jesse Beach, Hancock , 13 miles away Black Beach, Hancock , 13 miles away Schoodic Beach, Hancock , 14 miles away Marlboro Beach, Hancock , 16 miles away   Hotels Near Union River - East Branch: Hampton Inn Ellsworth-Bar Harbor, Ellsworth , 16 miles away The Eagle's Lodge Motel, Ellsworth , 16 miles away Comfort Inn Ellsworth - Bar Harbor, Ellsworth , 16 miles away Ramada Ellsworth, Ellsworth , 17 miles away Twilite Motel, Ellsworth , 18 miles away   Campgrounds Near Union River - East Branch: Eastbrook Campground, Eastbrook, 6 miles away Great Pond Outdoor Recreation Area, Aurora, 8 miles away Donnell Pond Private Reserve Land, Sorrento, 13 miles away   Trails Near Union River - East Branch: Lead Mountain Trail, Hancock , 11 miles away Eagle Lake Trail, Hancock , 12 miles away Peaked Mountain Trail, Penobscot , 14 miles away Old Gold Mine Trail, Penobscot , 19 miles away   Public Lands Near Union River - East Branch: Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor - ME , 21 miles away Maine Acadian Culture, Bar Harbor - ME , 21 miles away Lamoine State Park, Maine , 17 miles away   Golf Courses Near Union River - East Branch: Bar Harbor Golf Course, Trenton , 17 miles away White Birches Motel & Golf Course, Ellsworth , 17 miles away   Lakes Near Union River - East Branch Upper Lead Mountain Pond, Hancock , 8 miles away Beech Hill Pond, Hancock , 14 miles away Green Lake, Hancock , 18 miles away