Bridge-to-Bridge Trail and Androscoggin Riverwalk, Topsham

Both kids and grandparents should appreciate this in-town walk that includes a paved walking trail along the Androscoggin River and by the thundering hydroelectric dam. The path is wheelchair accessible and good for biking. And the pedestrian swinging bridge, which bounces slightly as you walk across it, is kind of thrilling! The expanse of river it crosses is wide, giving you lots of chances to check out the river views in either direction.

There are at least two cute pocket beaches along the trail—but the town forbids swimming in the river. There’s also a pretty overlook on a rocky ledge, with a bench for resting and “enjoying the passage of time.”

The paved section of the walking path in Topsham doesn’t quite reach the antique green Frank J. Wood Bridge that crosses the river into Brunswick. But the last 500 feet or so of the route are on a sidewalk, and then across a parking lot to the Wood Bridge. It’s easy to complete the satisfying 1.25-mile loop from bridge to bridge, and through the two towns. The loop is universally accessible, on paved trail or sidewalks, the whole way.

The paved section of trail on the Topsham side is .6 miles, and includes what the town calls the short Bridge to Bridge Trail.

Directions: There are several places to park: You can leave a car at the pedestrian swinging bridge on the Brunswick side, off Route 1 and across from Cushing Street. There are also two parking areas on the Topsham side, one at the other end of the swinging bridge, and the other at the start/end of the path, closer to the green Frank J Wood Bridge. All marked with green icons on my map. Go here to see all the parking areas.