Balance Rock, Fernalds Neck

 
The Visit: On January 26th, I visited Balance Rock in Fernalds Neck in Lincolnville, Maine as well. To reach this landmark I walked .2 miles into the Fernalds Neck Preserve on a relatively well groomed trail. At the site there is a small plaque located on the rock itself that dedicates it to Vinton and Elizabeth Harkness. The rock is perfectly balanced on another rock that forms into a cliff which overlooks Megunticook Lake. The preserve is well maintained and therefore provided for a lovely afternoon walk.
Historical Significance: Balance Rock signifies the process in which Maine's coast gained its reputation as the "rocky coast". 20,000 years ago the Laurentide Ice Sheet traveled south from Canada and eventually covered all of Maine. As glaciers transported sediment they formed Maine's lakes, mountains, valleys,and coastal lowlands. Maine's identity is often associated with its geography and Balance Rock is an example of how influential the glaciers were to the geography of Maine.

Additional Information From: Growing Up In Maine: http://www.growinupinmaine.com/2007/04/ancient-balancing-act-in-maine_20.html,   Coastal Mountains Land Trust: http://www.coastalmountains.org/conserved_lands/preserves/fernald.html,    Maine's Glacial Moraines: http://www.maine.gov/doc/nrimc/mgs/explore/surficial/facts/jan00.htm