Abagadasset River View, Bowdoinham

Though these trails may not be in the best condition when you visit, persevere if you can! I recommend coming out here in the colder seasons, when it might be less overgrown.

The views of the Abagadasset River, as it transforms from fast stream into wide river at the head of the tide, are beautiful. In the winter, you can listen to the ice crackling. You can also check out the old mill; all that remains (as far as I could tell) is a stone wall at the mouth of the fast-moving stream. There are big chunks of ledge, too, on which you can sit and look out on the river. It’s a peaceful, lovely spot.

Unfortunately, you might have a hard time reaching it. The trail is unmarked and might be overgrown and blocked with blowdowns (as I experienced it). The start of the trail is the easiest portion; from Carding Machine Road, you’ll head down a grassy road that skirts the edge of a landfill. At the far end of the landfill, in about 0.3 miles, the trail splits in two. If you go right, you’ll walk along a wide, eroded path for about 0.3 miles to the river’s edge.

If you go left, you’ll come eventually to a narrow path — it may be wet and difficult to pass. You’ll have to hop over a stream at one point, and then you’ll reach the mouth of the narrow Abagadasset where it empties into a larger pool. Here you’ll find the old dam, large boulders, and the remains of a campfire.

Directions: (From the town) There is no street address for this location, but is marked by a small dirt pullover and a gate at the entry point to the old landfill off Carding Machine Road. The trailhead is about one mile south of the bridge over the Abagadasset.