Tarbox Preserve, Topsham

This Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust preserve is nestled between the Cathance and Muddy Rivers (but bisected by Middlesex Road). The blazed trail starts on the west side of the road. It follows a wide half-mile track to the shores of the Cathance River. The bank is very steep and wooded. When I visited in September, 2019, there was no official trail to the water, but I scrambled down anyway. The river makes a wide oxbow curve here, exposing a reedy mudplain. Then you can follow a footpath back to make a one-mile loop. The land trust has designated two loops, one for walking and one for skiing!

Directions: From Maine Street in Brunswick, cross the bridge and turn right onto Elm Street. This road eventually will turn into Middlesex Road. Follow it for 3.9 or so miles until you see a dirt parking area to your left. The approximate address is 660 Middlesex Road.