Androscoggin Riverlands is a free State Park located in about 10 miles from campus in Turner. The park has relatively flat open trails that travel near a beautiful stretch of the Androscoggin River. While the trails are well kept, there are often not well marked, so printing out a map to bring or doing an out and back might not be a bad idea. There is a north and south entrance to the park. The north entrance is further from campus, but the trail reaches the river quicker. The south entrance is about 10 miles closer to campus, however you’ll be running or hiking in the woods for a while before you hit the river.

In addition, there is an excellent boat launch slightly east of the north entrance to the park. The stretch of the androscoggin this gives you access to is excellent paddling and offers access to many islands which can be explored. Some of these islands are great for an overnight trip as well!

Directions

The south entrance is a small pullout off of Conant Rd. The North entrance is a larger pullout off of Center Bridge Rd. The boat launch is a small pullout located either right before or after the north entrance (depending on the route you take) on a small island. Both entrances have maps posted at the trailhead.

Location:

South Entrance: 273 Conant Rd, Turner, ME 04282

44.1856°N, 70.2225°W

North Entrance: 1005 Center Bridge Rd, Turner, ME 04282

44.2617°N, 70.1885°W

Boat Launch: 408 Center Bridge Rd, Turner, ME 04282

44.2571°N, 70.1825°W

Additional Notes

Riverlands is open to snowmobiles and ATVs so be careful and get out of the way if you hear one coming.

See also: 

Little Concord Pond is reached by a 15 minute hike on a flat easy trail. Once you reach the pond, you can sit by the water or follow a trail all the way around. Although it would make the hike a bit more challenging, hiking a canoe in would definitely make for an excellent paddle. Given the easy hike, this is an excellent spot for a last minute overnight trip. There is a beautiful campsite located on a flat point in the lakeshore, which can be reached by hiking for a few minutes along the left side (facing the lake from the trail in) of the lake. Little Concord Pond is located below Bald Mountain (see link in additional notes below) The lake is stocked with trout and fly fishing is permitted.

Directions

The trail head appears shortly after passing Shagg Pond on the right. Drive up a steep hill and park at the pullout on the left as soon as you reach the top of the. The trailhead is immediately across from the pullout. Follow the trail until it reaches a large pond.

Trailhead Location:

272 Shagg Pond Rd. Bryant Pond, ME 04219

44.427222°N,  70.542033 °W

Additional Notes

I once saw a meteor land directly across from the campsite mentioned above. Could be worth some money. Good luck finding it

See also: Bald Mountain