Join a lifelong Yarmouth resident on a walk through Royal River Park to discover the history of Yarmouth’s cotton and paper mills, environmental impact, and the plants and animals living there today. You are encouraged to bring your own wildlife ID book! Various stops on our walk will include waterfalls, dams and fish ladders, and brick ruins of the old mills. Your walk leader holds a degree in marine biology and will discuss the local ecosystem and search for wildlife along the way. We will also be joined by a member of the Yarmouth Historical Society to learn about the mill history of Royal River. Participants can visit the Yarmouth History Center (no fee) at the end of the walk to learn more about town history and see detailed photographs of the old mills. (This final stop will also give you a chance to chat with other walkers, grab some water, or use the restroom before heading home.) Attendees should wear comfortable walking shoes and water and sunscreen are recommended.
Wheelchair Accessibility: this is a wheelchair-accessible tour, led by a wheelchair user! The Royal River Park pathway is paved and mostly flat with some bumps/cracks in the paving. There is one hill along the path which is easily manageable for a power wheelchair, but may be more difficult for manual chair users. Most of the path is covered by trees and out of direct sun. Parking at the Sparhawk Mill is paved and spacious with two designated disabled parking spaces (ramp access included). If you require more disabled parking, we recommend parking at the main entrance of Royal River Park on East Elm St. If you park at East Elm St, arrive early so you can follow the path through the park (about 15 min) and join our group at the Bridge St. entrance before the 1:00pm start time.
Accessibility:
Tour is wheelchair accessible, led by a wheelchair-user! Paved path with one hill. See full description for more accessibility info. Parking at Sparhawk Mill or along Bridge St. & Main St. Nearest bus stop is Yarmouth Town Hall (BREEZ). Additional parking at East Elm St. entrance of RR park (tour begins at Bridge St entrance & ends at East Elm St).
Starting Location:
Meet at the back entrance to Royal River Park on Bridge Street in Yarmouth, across from the “Mill Point” sign. We’ll start on the paved, wooded path toward the waterfall. Park at Sparhawk Mill or along Bridge St. & Main St. (If you park at East Elm St, arrive early to walk through the park and join us at the Bridge St. meeting spot before 1:00 PM.)
Ending Location:
Our tour will end at the East Elm St. entrance of Royal River Park (at the Yarmouth History Center). Attendees have the option to visit the history center before heading home - this final stop will also give you a chance to chat with other walkers, grab some water, or use the restroom.
Yarmouth, Maine 04096
