Lewiston Trails
Begins in Sunnyside Park, a little south of the Veterans Bridge. This wide and well-traveled path follows the Androscoggin River; you don't have to peek between the trees to see the water. It's closer to the water than the trail along the Androscoggin in Brunswick. This trail isn't as wide and isn't paved. It's about 6 miles for a round trip. The trailhead is just inside Sunnyside Park, looping to the left, then toward the river. Here you can climb a side trail to a lookout for your first view of the river and Veterans Bridge. Back on the trail, follow the short path to a stone path uphill to the cemetery. Follow River Drive; there is no sign but simply follow the edge of the water. When you see the birches in the bend, note the orphan gravestones to the right where the Riverside Trail continues behind a row of rocks. We followed the sound of rushing water. This leads to a short walk to a small falls and the Bartlett Brook crossing, a bit tricky. If you have on sport sandals, you can wade right through or jump the rocks. The trail beyond the crossing is simply spectacular. You will have a hard time remembering that this trail is in a city. Can you spot the split glacier rock? Check out all the outcroppings for close-up river views and perhaps a rock to sit a spell. The trail continues to the River Valley apartment area. If you choose not to jump the rocks of the crossing, you can take the trail back from the apartment area. The only part of the trail that appears littered is directly behind the buildings, so please do not let the trash deter you from taking the trail. The rest really is worth the trip. Getting there: Sunnyside Park is in Lewiston. Take Main Street north; turn left on Whipple Street. Drive to the end, and then park along the road.
Located behind Lewiston High School. This is a newly improved paved trail that provides an excellent surface for rollerblading, scootering and skateboarding as well as biking, walking and jogging. This trail begins in Marcotte Park behind the Colisee, winds behind the high school, continues to Longley Elementary School and then goes down through a field and ends on Bartlett Street. The trail is approximately 1/2 mile.
Railroad Park
A fitness trail follows the edge of the park, then crosses the pedestrian bridge, the former railroad bridge, into Auburn. The Auburn side is Bonney Park where the paved trail continues on Auburn's Riverwalk. Perimeter is about 1 mile.
Thorncrag Bird Sanctuary
The Stanton Bird Club owns and manages three sanctuaries. In addition to Thorncrag, the club also has Woodbury in Monmouth and Applesass Hill in Lewiston. All have trails, which are open to the public. Thorncrag is undergoing construction for a nature center and parking lot at the main gate on Montello Street. The club is requesting that visitor's use the white blaze trails on either side of the main gate or use the East Avenue entrance. Trail maps of Thorncrag are available at the gate kiosks. For more information, call Susan Hayward at (207) 782-5238 or check www.stantonbirdclub.org. The total distance of the trails is 5 miles.