The Magical River Walk In Maine That Will Transport You To Another World
By Michelle|Published June 10, 2018
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Michelle
Author
Michelle's life is a colorful map of exploration and adventure. From the iconic streets of New York to the sunny shores of Florida, the jagged coast of Maine to the rugged terrain of Montana, she's been fortunate to call some of America's most beautiful states home. Beyond the U.S., Michelle's wanderlust has taken her on a motorcycle journey through India, led her to teach English in Hanoi, and saw her studying Spanish in Guatemala. Michelle graduated with a communications degree from the S. I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University and in addition to a career in advertising has worked with OnlyInYourState since 2016, where her love for travel and storytelling converges. Alongside writing and exploring, Michelle finds joy in photography, staying active, and time with her family.
For questions, comments and inquiries please email: mstarin@onlyinyourstate.com.
Hikes through the forest are plenty in Maine, but you don’t necessarily need to strap on your boots for every adventure outside. Some are more accessible – and interesting – than you might think! This river walk in Maine can be found along the mighty Androscoggin River. The many rapids and rocks make for compelling scenery and the trail itself is easy and flat. Check it out and be sure to let us know of other river walks you’ve enjoyed in Maine.
The 1.6 mile Auburn Riverwalk will take you through the center of the old mill district of the Auburn and Lewiston twin cities.
Now you have some options! The left fork will take you north along the river for about 0.7 miles towards the overlook at Lewiston Falls (AKA Great Falls) at West Pitch Park. This is the main part of the walk and what you see in these photos.
If you choose the right fork at Bonney Park you'll go across the Androscoggin River on the 425-foot converted railroad bridge towards Simard-Payne Memorial Park.
This part of the walk keeps you a little closer to the parking area where you started. You'll find lots of nice walking trails that go towards the benches at the river. There's also a loop that will take you around the entire park for more views and exercise.
The path on the left will lead you north along the River for 0.7 miles towards West Pitch Park. and its overlook at Great Falls, also known as Lewiston Falls. One of only 15 urban waterfalls in the United States, it drops 37 feet over rocky outcrops and is still used for hydroelectric power. The segment is paved in bricks and offers benches for viewing wildlife or simply contemplating life.
Both choices on the route lead to wonderful views, especially if you take the trip in the morning or around sunset.
The mighty Androscoggin River is not to be missed. And, when you're done head into either of the twin towns cities for fuel up with breakfast, lunch or dinner.
To make things just a bit easier, the trail ends points are: Moulton Park at Hutchins St. and High St., Great Falls Plaza near Turner St., in Auburn and Simard-Payne Memorial Park at Beech St. and Oxford St. in Lewiston.
Click here for a map of the entire Auburn River Walk. You can also find exact driving directions to the start by entering your starting point.
These directions assume you’ll be starting in Auburn, but you can easily start in Lewiston as well. Check out the Auburn Riverwalk on traillink.com for a map and instructions for starting on the Lewiston side of the river.
Another unexpectedly simple hike is the one that leads up Elephant Mountain to the remains of a B-52 crash site. It sits right out outside of Greenville. Learn more about it here.
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