QUICK TRAIL FACTS
- Preserve Size: Not sure
- Trail Mileage: 1.2 miles one way
- Pets: yes
- Difficulty: easy
- Sights: Whitney Brook, fields
Whitney Brook Trail in blue; Canton Rail Trail in orange.
Whitney Brook Trail, maintained by the town, is a pleasant trail system that lies between the brook and School Street (Route 140). From the parking area (off of School Street) to the little Canton Heritage Park, it’s roughly 1.2 miles.
A series of small loops make the walk fun and interesting. The trail is well marked — the town takes good care of it. At one point, as you cross Bog Brook, you must walk a short ways along School Street before rejoining the trail.
Canton Rail Trail, by Sam Shirley: This state-owned rail trail leads north from downtown Canton along the old route of the Rumford Falls and Buckfield Railroad, which eventually became part of the Maine Central Railroad before being abandoned. The 1.7-mile trail is completely flat with surfaces ranging from dirt to gravel to sand. The northern part of the trail is wooded and ends close to CSX’s active Rumford Branch tracks, while the southern part passes by farm fields and houses. While it is a very easy trail to walk and bike on, trail users should be mindful of motorized vehicle traffic, especially on weekends. A nice loop can be made by joining the rail trail and the Whitney Brook Trail.
Directions: For the brook trail and rail trail, you can park at the large Canton Park & Ride lot. You’ll find the trailhead for the brook trail on the other side of the street. This parking lot is marked by a large sign 0.9 mile north of the flashing light in the center of Canton. Alternatively, parking is available at the boat launch for Lake Anasagunticook at the trail’s southern end.
