Maine’s Lost River Found: An Urban Adventure with the Presumpscot

Join us on the banks of the Presumpscot River for this urban adventure to discover once-hidden waterfalls and stories of a lost river rediscovered. This river once held 13 named falls and many rapids, of those only three today can be found. Two of which were reborn due to recent dam removals, one of which we will get to experience up close on this walk. The Presumpscot is a river rich with secrets and history, including tales of treaties, a submerged farmhouse, lost apple orchards, powder mill explosions, buried coins, and much more. On this walk, we will also learn about the current work underway to rewild the river, the upcoming fish migration, and efforts to free the river once and for all. The river stretches 27 miles from Sebago to the Sea; come meet us along this incredible section. Our walk will be less than a mile total and take us up close to the rocky edges of the waterfalls. Though this is a low-impact walk, sturdy and comfortable shoes that could be appropriate for hiking are recommended. The walk is recommended for people who feel able to navigate some areas of rougher terrain. One part will take us down a narrow trail, so the entire walk is likely not wheelchair accessible. This is suitable for children who can be safe with caregivers alongside water. The walk is led by a member of the Friends of the Presumpscot River who grew up on the banks of the river and whose great-grandmother worked, many years ago, in the mill we will walk alongside to view the restored falls. Please contact us at info@presumpscotriver.org if you are interested in an accessible walk option. Our walk will start by the Lincoln Street ice rink in Westbrook, where there is parking. See the meeting place description for more details. We are planning for roughly one hour but listing the walk with an estimate of 90 minutes (and hour and a half) so that depending on questions or other interest there is time to stay and enjoy the river.