Posted on July 8, 2016 and last updated on October 09, 2023

Gambo Preserve and Shaw Park, Gorham

QUICK TRAIL FACTS

  • Preserve Size: Not sure
  • Trail Mileage: ~2.1 miles in network
  • Pets: yes
  • Difficulty: easy
  • Sights: Presumpscot River, old canal and mill

This is a very popular place, a happening spot, with a lot of boaters, walkers, joggers, picnic-goers, beach-goers and dog walkers. I was a bit confused when I first visited, because there was no trail map at the main parking lot. If you start at Shaw Park, you can do an interesting two-mile-or-so loop from here. The 1.75-acre Gambo Preserve is protected by Presumpscot Regional Land Trust.

I recommend parking at Shaw Park and heading off to your right (if you’re facing the river) down the paved Presumpscot River Trail, which is wheelchair accessible. When you get close to the water, you’ll see a trail on your right going off into the woods — this is little Gambo preserve. A short loop trail here takes you past remnants of an old canal and mill. A local woman tells me people sometimes continue straight down the trail alongside the old canal. But you are on private land if you do this.

Once you’re back on the Presumpscot River Trail, continue walking across the bridge and up Gambo Road just a little ways. Take your first left on a paved road to some playing fields. Here you’ll catch the paved Mountain Division Trail, and eventually you’ll come to an old railway bridge. There are access paths off to the right which go to housing developments or to the water’s edge. After crossing the bridge, look for a paved trail to your left. That will take you back to Shaw Park and the parking lot.

Directions (to Shaw Park): Take Rte 237 in Gorham approximately 2 miles going north past the intersection of Rte 237 and Rte 202. Take a right into Shaw Park. You can also park at the end of Gambo Road.

3 comments to “Gambo Preserve and Shaw Park, Gorham”
3 comments to “Gambo Preserve and Shaw Park, Gorham”
  1. I did see people swimming when I visited, and also people biking on the Mountain Division Trail, which is really more suitable for cruising along on bicycles than for technical riding.

Let me know if you have any trail updates or corrections!