The Whitney Brook Trail winds its way between forested sections and open fields along Whitney Brook, an unassuming stream partly responsible for at least eight floods in the past century. Although the trail generally follows one main path along the brook, several loops offer alternative routes to the main path. At the southern end of trail, Canton Heritage Park offers several picnic tables and provides a nice resting place after a hike.
The area along the trail is a haven for native plants, trees, and wildlife. Birds, including ducks, geese and wading birds such as heron, are commonly seen near the brook. Numerous small birdhouses are located along the trail to encourage nesting songbirds. Amphibians also make good use of the vernal pools along the trail.
Both the Whitney Brook Trail and the Canton Heritage Park were established in 2008. The last flood, in 2003, caused severe damage to homes within the floodplain. The Town of Canton used grants from the federal government to purchase properties within the floodplain along the brook, transforming these residences into the trail corridor and park. Canton Heritage Park is actually landscaped with plants and benches constructed from granite slabs recovered from the foundations of the former homes
Dogs are permitted on the Whitney Brook Trail and Park but only if on a lease and under the control of their owner.
From North and West: Starting at the intersection of ME Route 108 with US Route 2 in Rumford, drive 15.5 miles to the intersection of ME Routes 108 and Cross Street (just before the Intersection of ME Routes 108 and ME Route 140 in Canton). Turn left onto Cross Street. Parking is at the end of the street at the old Municipal Building on the left. For additional parking, at the end of Cross Street, turn right on ME Route 140 and continue about a mile further to a gravel parking lot on the right.
From North and East: Take ME Route 4 from Farmington into Jay. Turn right onto ME Route 140; there are two parking areas with trailheads, the first is 0.7 miles from the railroad tracks on the left; the second parking is located 1.4 miles past the railroad tracks on the right in front of the old Municipal Building on the corner of Cross Street and ME Route 140.
From South: From the intersection of ME Routes 4 and 108 in Livermore, take ME Route 108 and drive 5.8 miles into Canton to the junction of ME Route 140. Turn right onto ME Route 140 and either park on the left at the old Municipal Building (0.2 miles from ME Route 108) or drive about a mile further to a gravel parking lot on the right.
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We started at this point, Trails seemed to be marked well but there was no map with the trails called out. The trail was a little over grown. There were several trees across the trail but it was not hard to get over them. But at about 3/10s of a mile in the trailer was completely blocked by a large tree top and there was no "easy" way around. We turned around here. Also, there were two bridges hat are a little shaky and a damp day would be very slippery.
We were looking forward to this little walk, as it was a hot humid day. This could be a nice trail with a little clean up.