Franklin

Welcome to Franklin!

Franklin Maine

According to Acadia Magic, “Franklin, Maine, part of Hancock County, was founded in 1764 by Moses Butler when he created the first settlement at what is appropriately called Butler’s Point. The town was incorporated on January 24, 1825. It is located northeast of Ellsworth, the main commercial center of the county.”

The town of Franklin says, “Franklin would have been Benjamin Franklin’s kind of town. Years ago, Franklin was best known for lumbering, ship masts, railroad ties, granite, blueberries and Christmas trees. Today there are more than 75 businesses in town, many of which are home-based and range from electricians, jewelers, photographers, woodcutters, wreath makers, potters, basket makers, tile makers and sculptors.” “Franklin has a population of around 1,575 with a land area of 39.2 square miles. ” 

Activities

  • Farms/Wineries
    • Shalom Orchard Organic Farm and Winery: 158 Eastbrook Road, Franklin, ME 04634, 207-565-2312
      • “We are a certified organic farm and everything we grow or produce is according to organic standards. We primarily grow organic fruit – apples, blueberries, cherries and raspberries – for our wines or for wholesale or retail sale from the farm. We also grow vegetables for retail sale from our farm store. We raise chickens for eggs and meat, and we raise registered Rambouillet sheep for wool and meat.” 
  • Fishing/boating
    • Fox Pond: ME-182, Franklin, ME 04634
      • “Fox Pond is located adjacent to scenic. Route 182 in the so-called “Black Woods”. The pond has only one home around the shoreline. It is about 73 sq acres and you can usually expect to fish for Brook Trout and Brown Trout “
    • Georges Pond: 317 George’s Pond Road, Franklin, ME 04634. 
      • The Georges Pond Boat Launch is located on Outlet Rd, Franklin, ME.  On this 358 sq acre lovely pond, you   can “expect to find a variety of fish including Brown Trout, Smallmouth Bass and Yellow Perch.”
  •  Hiking
    • Tunk Mountain: Located between Franklin and Cherryfield on  ME Route 182. ” The trailhead access is located between Fox Pond to the west and Tunk Lake to the east; both are visible to the south of the road. The trailhead is a little under 1 mile from Fox Pond and just over 2 miles from the Tunk Lake boat launch. The new trailhead is available directly on ME Route 182 (north side). Look for a blue yard-arm sign identifying the trailhead.” See Maine Trailfinder for detailed information on this trail.
    • There are 5 additional trails in this area. Click here to see them.
    • See other activities in nearby Hancock, Ellsworth, Gouldsboro. 

Dining

Lodging

Shops and Services

  • Hog Bay Pottery: 42 S Bay Rd, Franklin, ME 04634, (207) 565-2282
    • “Our shop is stocked with Susanne’s hand-dyed wool and yarns, knitting, weaving and rugs. Charlie’s pottery includes gas-fired and wood-kiln-fired dinnerware, bowls, baking dishes, vases, mugs, pots, lamps, large planters and tiles.”
  • Baskets by Gin: 207 Eastbrook Rd, Franklin, ME 04634
    • “I’m Gin Randolph, and it’s my mission to share the ancient art of Basketry with hobbyists, families, teachers and aspiring entrepreneurs alike. Here you’ll find everything you need to start your journey to reinventing yourself in a healthy, relaxing and beneficial way. “
  • Down to Earth Pottery: 186 Georges Pond Rd, Franklin, ME 04634, (207) 664-8388
    • “The Shop is open July1- November 1 9-5, 12 Main St., Franklin, Maine 04634 
      I started making pots in high school, about 1970. Learning this craft has taken me all over the world, working with many potters, mentors and guides. I love making pots. I love making pots that people use every day – affordable, durable, beautiful work. Please send me an e-mail or call if you have questions. 207/664-8388
      keith@dtepottery.com “
  • Water’s Edge Canoe and Kayak Rentals: 226 W Franklin Rd, Franklin, ME, United States, 04634, (207) 460-6350, chasehunterdad@gmail.com 
    • Enjoy paddling on a lovely lake with Water’s Edge rentals!
  • For more shops & services visit Ellsworth, Gouldsboro, Hancock, Birch Harbor and Winter Harbor!

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