Androscoggin Woods, Topsham

We visited the day before this Brunswick Topsham Land Trust preserve officially opened, and the land stewards were putting the final touches on this amazing preserve. We got there just as the afternoon sun was hitting the colonnade of trees along the river, lighting up the autumn leaves like stained glass!

The paths follow old logging roads (this area was selectively harvested for many years) so are mostly very easy and wide. The one non-road footpath, which follows the bank of the river, is also easy, and brings you to an open ledge on the river for great views up and down the waterway. If you do the perimeter walk, it’s about 1.2 miles or so. The first 0.2 miles of the trail follows on a grassy mowed path before crossing the railroad tracks and entering the woods.

I think swimming here should be nice here, especially at the boat launch.

Note from land trust: “Visitors are advised to use caution, as the driveway begins with a steep slope off of Route 196/Lewiston Road down to the parking area and all wheel drive or four wheel drive vehicles are recommended when there is ice and snow on the roads.” If the conditions are very dicey, the land trust closes the preserve during the winter.

Directions: (From the Brunswick Topsham Land Trust) From the Topsham Fair Mall, head west on Route 196 towards Lisbon. After passing the I-295 overpass, continue west on Route 196/Lewiston Road for 4.5 miles. When you see W. Merrill Road on your 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. The large parking area is down a steep hill, about 100 yards farther on the gravel driveway. Route 196 is is fast, so be careful turning.