June 2, Androscoggin Land Trust to Lead National Trails Day Hike on Historic Homestead Trail

June 2, 2012

The Homestead Trail, in the Androscoggin Riverlands State Park is the signature hiking trail developed by land trust volunteers nearly a decade ago.

Auburn, ME - Celebrate National Trails Day Saturday June 2nd with a hike on the Homestead Trail with the Androscoggin Land Trust (ALT) at the Androscoggin Riverlands State Park.  The Riverlands was a flourishing neighborhood along the Old River Road in Turner until 1927, when Central Maine Power built Gulf Island Dam and flooded the valley upstream for 11 miles.  The homesteads were destroyed, but fascinating foundation remnants and artifacts still exist along the Homestead Trail.  We will walk the footpath and remaining portions of the old road, pausing to explore granite foundations and dooryard plantings left by the original inhabitants, spring wildflowers, migrating birds and wildlife along the way.  Turn around at the Picnic Meadow for a shorter trip, or stop for lunch (bring your own) and then continue on to finish the rest of the trail.

ALT President Judy Marden will lead this guided walk on the Homestead Trail at the Androscoggin Riverlands State Park.  Those looking to hike should plan to meet at the Riverlands parking lot off of Center Bridge Road in Turner by 10 AM to join the group.

For directions and more information about the park, visit www.maine.gov/androscogginriverlands

• Difficulty: easy 2.6 or 4.5 mile round-trip loops.  Option of turning back at the Picnic Meadow for a shorter loop or continuing on for the longer trek. 

• Equipment: daypack, sturdy footwear, wind/rain gear, hat, bug repellent, sunscreen, water, lunch and/or snacks, camera.

The Androscoggin Land Trust is a private, non-profit 501(c)(3) membership-supported organization dedicated to protecting, through land conservation and stewardship, the important natural areas, traditional landscapes, and outdoor experience in the Androscoggin River watershed. We currently conserve approximately 4,850 acres of land, including over ten miles of riverfront along the Androscoggin River.  For more information, contact Margi Huber, Outreach Coordinator at (207) 782-2302 or info@androscogginlandtrust.org. Visit our Web site atwww.androscogginlandtrust.org.