There’s plenty to like about hiking the Homestead Trail on this 1,900-acre parcel of land along the Androscoggin River.
There’s adventure, thanks in part to less-than-ideal signage.
There’s history dating back to the 1870s.
And there are great views, scenery, picnic areas and more.
Let’s get to it: The beginning of the Homestead Trail has a trail marker labeled “Old Farmstead Trail.” It’s 1.1 miles. From the dirt parking lot off Center Bridge Road in Turner (see “How to get there”), head up the fire road and the trail quickly appears on the left. The path is well worn, leading to an old foundation. From there it is not as well used, so watch for the blue blazes on trees – light blue paint about 15 feet up on tree trunks (which also makes them visible to cross-country skiers in winter).
Rock walls and ferns are plentiful, with glimpses of the Androscoggin River through the trees. The trail opens to a field with wonderful views of the river. Signage from here is sketchy. The remains of several Department of Conservation signs that have been used for BB gun practice can be found. The multi-use trails are clearly visible and will lead back to the main fire road. You can always turn around and go back the way you came if it gets too confusing.
The Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands manages the parcel, which has 15 miles of multiple-use trails and eight miles of trails dedicated to hiking. The Homestead Trail offers hikers a chance to get a feel for the property’s history; it passes the foundations of numerous homes that lined the shores of the river from the 1870s until 1927, when they were razed to make way for rising waters behind the newly constructed Gulf Island Dam.
How to get there: From downtown Auburn, take Route 4 (Center Street) north to Turner. Turn right on to Route 117 at the blinking light. About 2 miles, turn right at the fork just before a 4-way intersection. Continue straight past the store onto Center Bridge Road and proceed another 2 miles. The entrance to the dirt parking lot is on the right. If you pass the Turner Public Boat launch and the metal bridge, you have gone too far. You can also gain access by water from the Turner public boat launch.
Go and do
What to do: Hiking, dog walking on a leash, biking, canoeing, kayaking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing. Picnicking – carry in/carry out.
What to bring: First, a sense of adventure (until such time that funds are available for signage upgrading)! Also, the usual: sunscreen, bug spray, water, good footwear (not heels or flip flops as there can be muddy spots depending on the time of year), appropriate clothing for the weather and cell phone. Tell someone where you are going. If you’re eating, bring a picnic and blanket, or use the picnic tables at the boat launch. Nezinscot Farm Store is on Route 117 – a great place to stop for a variety of treats before or after hitting the trail.
FMI: • http://www.maine.gov/doc/parks/programs/ATV/PDF/Turner.PDF provides a property map of the multi-use trails. This provides a general sense of the property and trail system, but does not include names of trails or actual distance.
• Go to www.androscoggin
landtrust.org or call Healthy Androscoggin at 795-5990 for a copy of Recreational Opportunities in Androscoggin County: A Resource Guide.
(Originally published in the Sun Journal b Section, July 1, 2007)
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