Little River is located near the end of Linekin Neck at the mouth to the Damariscotta River. The river inlet is 32 miles northeast of Portland and 40 miles southeast of Vinalhaven Island. The river is well-protected and is a popular stopover point for cruisers traveling the Maine Coast.

The image above is a view from the south looking north over the entrance to Little River where it empties into the Atlantic Ocean. Off to the right (east) side of the image is rocky and rugged Reeds Island, while off to the left (west) and in the top portion of the image, Linekin Nech is visible. In addition to the thousands of lobster pots, green daybeacon “1” and red nun buoy “2” can be seen with a keen eye just at the river’s mouth.

There are two marine service and marina facilities in Little River and one of them has transient moorings available, while the other had gas and diesel fuel. Additionally, there are some outlying places to anchor, but most of the southern half of the river is wide open to the south.

Use NOAA Chart 13293.

Little River is reached via an approach from the Damariscotta River where it empties into the Atlantic Ocean south of Reeds Island. To approach Little River, first set a course to intercept red and green buoy “DR,” which is located at an approximate waypoint of N43 49.148 W69 34.818. ?
Once you have safely navigated to red and green “DR” set an approximate course of 345 degrees magnetic to intercept green daybeacon “1,” and then red nun buoy “2” at the river’s mouth. Keep a keen eye out for lobster pot floats on the approach.

Local Notices to Mariners are now exclusively available online from the U.S. Coast Guard.