Magog Falls and Canal Path, Searsmont and Appleton

Note: The south end of the path, between Appleton Preserve and Magog Falls, seems to be more reliably tended than the northern half.

My map above shows two sections of trail along the Georges River. The top half, the Canal Path, offers both history and bucolic loveliness, as it meanders along the the Georges River and brings you to the Georges River Canal, which dates back to the late 1700s. While the canal doesn’t exist any longer, you can see the impression of the old channel, and you can walk up and down on the landforms where the locks once were. 

From the south, starting across the street from Appleton Preserve, you can walk a beautiful 1.1-mile trail along the river to Magog Falls, gentle but pretty rapids. While the trail is mostly easy, there are a few short but steep ups and downs as you trace the river. 

The connecting trail beyond the falls to the canal loop was not well maintained when I walked it but it is passable.

Directions: The north trailhead is located adjacent to Robbins Lumber. From the intersection of Routes 131 and 173 in Searsmont village, travel south on Route 131 for 1.7 miles to Ghent Road on the left. Travel 0.25 miles on Ghent Road to the parking area on the right, just after crossing the bridge. The trailhead is on the opposite side of the river. The south trailhead is located at the Appleton Preserve parking area. From the intersection of Routes 17 and 131 in Union, travel north on 131 for 7.8 miles. Turn right onto 105, and the parking area is 0.4 miles ahead on your right.