DENMARK — Take a walk back in time along the old Narrow Gauge rail bed at the Perley Mills Community Forest on Friday, Dec. 5, starting at 9 a.m. The walk is hosted by Loon Echo Land Trust and the Denmark Conservation Commission.
Learn about the little trains that chugged their way from Hiram to Harrison at the turn of the last century with stops at Perley Mills and Ingalls Road, both located within the community forest.
Known as the Bridgton and Saco River Railroad (1880-1941), this “two-footer” brought supplies and visitors to the Sebago Lake region until the decline of industry and the increase of motor transport. The two passenger coaches were named Pondicherry and Mt. Pleasant.
Today, the Narrow Gauge still hums with activity in all four seasons. Hunters, fishermen, ATV and snowmobile riders, hikers and mountain bikers use this major trail artery (ITS 89) for recreation. The undeveloped Pickerel Pond, rich wetlands and stream systems support an abundance of wildlife, including wading birds and waterfowl.
Participants should bring sturdy shoes and appropriate clothing. This event will cover approximately 2 to 3 miles on a dirt road and will take about two hours. Meet at Pickerel Pond on Narrow Gauge Road, off of Hancock Pond Road.
For more information about this and other Loon Echo events, contact Jon Evans, stewardship manager at 647-4352 or jon@lelt.org. For more information about the Perley Mills Community Forest visit, go to www.loonecholandtrust.org.
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