Great Carrying Place Portage Trail

Great Carrying Place Portage Trail in blue; connecting trails in orange.

By Sam Shirley

This ~12-mile orange-blazed trail follows an ancient portage trail used by Native Americans, as well as the famous route that Benedict Arnold and his troops followed, from east to west, on their 1775 attempted invasion of Quebec City between the Kennebec and Dead Rivers. Because of dams built on both rivers, the trail now connects two lakes, Wyman Lake and Flagstaff Lake. The trail is maintained by the Arnold Expedition Historical Society, and the organization also publishes a guidebook for the trail which gives practical information, as well as historical context.

The trail is quite varied and alternates between following footpaths, gravel roads, and a section of the Appalachian Trail. Roughly at the halfway point of the trail is a campsite on Middle Carry Pond, which is available for hikers to use on a first-come-first-served basis. Camping is also available at the West Carry Pond Lean-To on the shared section with the Appalachian Trail. As it follows a portage route, the terrain is quite easy for the region, and there are no particularly steep hills on the trail. Sections of the trail which are footpaths that aren’t shared with the Appalachian Trail are generally well marked and maintained, but don’t see much use, generally making for very pleasant sections of trail with a soft footbed.

Besides the historical aspect, the standout feature of this trail are the many beautiful water views and access points. There is at least one good access point to Wyman Lake, East Carry Pond, Middle Carry Pond, West Carry Pond, and Flagstaff Lake along the trail. Arnold’s Point on West Carry Pond has a small beach, an especially nice spot to sit and enjoy.

Near the eastern end of the trail is a very worthwhile side trail. Starting from Carrying Place Road, a short unmarked trail leads about a quarter mile uphill into Stony Brook Canyon. This impressive box canyon features sheer cliff faces making up its two side walls, and a massive pile of large boulders forming its back wall. Stony Brook emerges from this jumble of boulders in the floor of the canyon before plunging down a waterfall into another pile of boulders at the foot of the canyon.

Besides day and overnight hiking options on the Great Carrying Place Portage Trail itself, connecting sections of the Appalachian Trail and Maine Hut Trail provide loop hiking opportunities. (On the east side, you can follow the AT to Scott Road, which connects to Carrying Place Road. On the west side, you can hook up to the AT and a short section of the MHT along Flagstaff Lake.)

Directions: Although there are many access points for the Great Carrying Place Portage Trail, the two most common starting points are near either end of the trail. To reach the eastern trailhead in Carrying Place Township from the center of Bingham, head west on Route 16 across the Kennebec River. Immediately after crossing the river, turn right on Pleasant Ridge Road. After 4.1 miles, you will reach a split in the road. Bear right onto Carrying Place Road, which will soon turn to gravel. At 7.6 miles from the split in the road, you will reach a parking pull-off marked by a white and orange trail sign. To reach the western trailhead in Carrying Place Town Township from Route 16 in North New Portland, head north on Long Falls Dam Road. After 20.8 miles, you will reach an intersection with Spring Road, where there is a white and orange trail sign. Park at the intersection, being sure not to block Spring Road.