Androscoggin Woods is a 53-acre property conserved by the Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust in 2019. The property includes a long stretch along the Androscoggin River as well as 14 acres of wetlands which provide important habitat for many plant and animal species.
The River Loop Trail is a 1-mile trail that follows the bank of the Androscoggin River and loops back through the forest. The trail meanders through a pine dominated forest that creates a sense of remoteness along the scenic river. The trail begins at the parking area with an intersection for the loop just after the train tracks. Throughout the walk, there are excellent views of the river as well as the wetland on the northwest end of the trail.
The Woods Trail is a 0.2-mile connector trail that goes through the center of the property, connecting the River Loop Trail. This connector route provides hikers with the option to extend or shorten their hike.
These trails are typically closed during the winter from November to April due to the steep driveway used to access the parking area.
The Androscoggin River begins at lake Umbagog in Errol, New Hampshire, and flows into Merrymeeting Bay – a unique inland, freshwater, tidal delta where six rivers join. The indigenous people who farmed, hunted, and fished along the river were called the Arasagunticook and were part of the wider Wabanaki community that inhabited the region for thousands of years before colonization. They depended heavily on the resources of the river – from the fertile floodplains for growing corn to the abundant fish.
It was these same resources that brought early colonial settlers, who also soon dammed the river for its power, which, by the early 1800’s had all but destroyed the once abundant fisheries. Later, pulp and paper mills released toxic waste into the river, and it became one of the most polluted waterways in the nation.
It was this river that inspired Senator Ed Muskie, of Rumford Maine, to press the US Congress to adopt the Clean Water Act of 1972 – which resulted in the much cleaner river you can visit today. With over a mile of trails both inland and along the riverfront, this preserve provides excellent access for hiking, fishing, and nature observation.
Boat access is welcome. We hope you enjoy your visit!
For additional information, visit the Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust website, or contact:
Brunswick-Topsham Land TrustFrom the Topsham Fair Mall, head west on ME-196 towards Lisbon. After passing the I-295 overpass, continue west on ME-196/Lewiston Road for 4.5 miles. After W. Merrill Road on the right, slow down and look for the Androscoggin Woods property sign on the left side of the road, just past the driveway for 1074 Lewiston Road. Please note that 1074 Lewiston Road is a private residence and no parking is allowed in the yard, driveway, or along the road. If you’ve hit Dewey Drive, you’ve gone too far! The parking area about 100 yards down the gravel driveway from ME-196.
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