Androscoggin: River Trails, Parks and History

Androscoggin Riverlands State Park covers 2,675 acres and has twelve miles of riverfront. It is part of the larger Androscoggin Greenway and the Androscoggin River Water Trail. The river thus makes a distinctive mark among the natural attractions of Androscoggin County; parks, trails and museums offer further reasons to visit.

River Landscapes and Trails

In the western part of Auburn lies wooded Mount Apatite Park, which covers 325 acres. It has about four miles of trails for non-motorized activities: hiking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Which activities are possible seasonally may vary depending on conditions.

At Mount Apatite Park, amateurs can also search for apatite, tourmaline and quartz in the mine tailings under special rules. Regulations apply to collecting; check the current rules before your trip.

On the northeast shore of Lower Range Pond, Range Pond State Park has a swimming area with a sandy beach. An old carriage road runs alongside the former railroad track to the historic Poland Railroad Station. Signs along the trail point out natural features.

If you’re interested in a moderately challenging route, Thorncrag Bird Sanctuary in Lewiston offers a 4.4-mile trail. Along the way, you can explore old farm foundations and fire pits, fields and wildlife. Big Falls Preserve has a loop trail in a 40-acre protected area, as well as a small swimming hole and a scenic waterfall.

River Trails and Historic Traces

The Riverwalk in Auburn is connected to Lewiston by the John T. Jenkins Memorial Pedestrian Bridge and continues into Simard-Payne Park. The L-A River History Trail focuses on something different: its 30 historic markers connect both sides of the Androscoggin River. The marker texts are written in English and French.

Museums and Local History

The Knight House of the Androscoggin Historical Society dates to 1796. A small shoe shop operated by the society displays tools and equipment. They illustrate how some Auburn residents made a living.

In downtown Lewiston, the Maine MILL, a history and culture museum, explores the history of labor and industrial ingenuity. One exhibit there is organized around four interconnected themes: community, work, innovation and Maine Today.

The Bates College Museum of Art welcomes the public to view its exhibitions free of charge. Exhibitions and visitor policies may change; check them before your trip.

Local Food and Choosing Your Hotel

The Lewiston Farmers’ Market in the Lewiston-Auburn area is open year-round. Visitors can buy local food and goods there; vendors’ seasonal offerings may vary.

Androscoggin County is part of Maine’s Lakes & Mountains region. When choosing a hotel, check the location of the specific property against the places you plan to visit.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Auburn, Poland, Lewiston, Oxford, Lincoln, Cumberland, Sagadahoc County, Penobscot.

For the main travel overview: Maine.