This gem of a quickwater river (current about 2 mph) runs from just south of Mooselookmeguntic Lake in the Rangeley area to its junction with the Androscoggin River at Rumford Point. The Ellis runs through a mix of agrilands ( cattle farms and potato fields) and a more northern feeling forest. The predominant trees are oaks , silver maple and pine with some extensive stands of hemlock.
Similar in scenery to what you will find on the Saco River, but with more mountain views of the eastern Mahoosuc Range and Oxford Hills, the Ellis is much quieter. It features an almost constant sandy bottom with sandbars at each bend. The lower four miles before the confluence with the Androscoggin have less sandy areas and more rock. There is one minor rapid which unfortunately dries up with low water.
Anyone traversing Route 2 might consider a trip to this area. It is easy to spot a bike at the take out as its only about six miles from the put in. The river curves considerably. The road does not.
Put in at the Lovejoy Covered Bridge just off Rt 5 in South Andover. Never busy . Ample parking
We saw an eagle, several turkey vultures, two elusive mink in addition to the cattle who were very interested in our dog. The take out was quite steep..fifteen feet up a sandy bank. The put in the same. We saw moose and deer tracks but no other evidence of either.
This seldom canoed river sees little to no maintenance but all blowdowns could be gotten around. Camping is possible except for the last four miles before the Androscoggin. There are no "Posted " signs. The river seemed relatively clean though there is a beer can or two in the campfire in my picture. The length of the river is about 17 miles from Andover. About 12 from where we put in.
Similar in scenery to what you will find on the Saco River, but with more mountain views of the eastern Mahoosuc Range and Oxford Hills, the Ellis is much quieter. It features an almost constant sandy bottom with sandbars at each bend. The lower four miles before the confluence with the Androscoggin have less sandy areas and more rock. There is one minor rapid which unfortunately dries up with low water.
Anyone traversing Route 2 might consider a trip to this area. It is easy to spot a bike at the take out as its only about six miles from the put in. The river curves considerably. The road does not.
Put in at the Lovejoy Covered Bridge just off Rt 5 in South Andover. Never busy . Ample parking
We saw an eagle, several turkey vultures, two elusive mink in addition to the cattle who were very interested in our dog. The take out was quite steep..fifteen feet up a sandy bank. The put in the same. We saw moose and deer tracks but no other evidence of either.
This seldom canoed river sees little to no maintenance but all blowdowns could be gotten around. Camping is possible except for the last four miles before the Androscoggin. There are no "Posted " signs. The river seemed relatively clean though there is a beer can or two in the campfire in my picture. The length of the river is about 17 miles from Andover. About 12 from where we put in.
Last edited:
