Indian Trail Park, Brewer

Indian Trail is kind of an untamed place — no trailhead kiosk and no blazes to mark the path — but it is a nice place to explore. The trails, which range from rougher herd paths to more established trails, bring you down to the Penobscot River and to several small rocky overlooks that give you a view of the river and Bangor beyond (the hospital dominates the view).

The trail system links the city’s four-acre park to the private property of the Penobscot County Conservation Association and the Penobscot Salmon Club (and maybe others?). Based on what I could tell from signs, both organizations allow walkers, but only if visitors are respectful of the property.

You can park at a couple of places to access the trails: at the end of Indian Trail Lane or a bit farther upriver, down an unmarked drive for the Penobscot County Conservation Association. (The Brewer Land Trust says you may also park at the Salmon Club.) But pay attention to signs, because it seems land-use policies are subject to change.

The trails leading from the city park can be a bit rough and uneven, especially near the river. Once you get past the stream and rock scree (not sure what else to call it!), the trail flattens out and becomes easier to walk and is a touch more pleasant. (There is a good access point to the river before you reach the Conservation Association structure.)

For this reason, I might recommend parking at the little pond near the Penobscot County Conservation Association and start by doing the loop around the building. The trail comes out at the open area around the Penobscot Salmon Club, which when I visited had an old sign up on the driveway saying non-club members are welcome as long as they leave the place untouched.

Here’s a great map of trails in the Bangor area.

Directions: There are two main public access points to this trail system in Brewer. The first is at Indian Trail Park via Indian Trail Lane, which is off North Main Street. The second is at the Penobscot Conservation Alliance, on the left just before you get to Twin City Baptist Church on the right on North Main Street.