A walker passes over the Gambo Railroad Trestle on the Sebago to Sea Trail as kayakers on the Presumpscot River approach. (Ron Chase photo)
My wife, Nancy, and I have been biking the Sebago to Sea Trail in Gorham and Windham for several years. For us, an interesting part of the ride has been a scenic crossing of the Gambo Railroad Trestle over the Presumpscot River.
One of the things we’ve often noticed is a lot activity on the Presumpscot near the trestle. Young people gather to leap off the bridge, canoeists, kayakers and standup paddlers can be seen navigating the river below, and parking areas provide access for paddling and swimming on both sides of the river. We decided an exploration was in order.
The Presumpscot has a long and varied history. The 25-mile river flows from Sebago Lake to Casco Bay. Native Americans lived along the shores for hundreds of years before European settlers arrived in the 17th century. With them came open conflict over usage — particularly when dams were built that blocked migration of fish upriver negatively impacting the Wabanaki food supply.
Despite numerous clashes, several dams were built and water power generated by steep falls was utilized to run various mills. Heavy industrialization continued until the mid-20th century. Since then, restoration has been in process. Mills closed, toxic discharges have been eliminated, some dams removed and fish passages have been installed. Nancy and I found the sector we explored has become a popular recreational playground.
We chose to access the river from a parking area and boat landing off Gambo Road in South Windham. This is a fairly large complex that includes soccer fields and access to the Sebago to Sea Trail. At the very end is a paved landing with additional parking. An alternative access is at Shaw Park, which is located across the river and also offers a Sebago to Sea trailhead.
We launched on a hot, sunny, breezy day and paddled upriver in a wide, calm sector of water that had the character of a small pond. Swimmers could be seen on a beach on the opposite shore at Shaw Park. Around the bend, we proceeded under Gambo Railroad Trestle. Typical of virtually any hot summer day, youths were assembled on top contemplating a plunge. I was able to get a photo of one of the daring youngsters.
A youngster boldly leaps from the Gambo Railroad Trestle into the Presumpscot River. (Ron Chase photo)
Paddling in a northerly direction against a gentle current, we kayaked by several cottages on both sides of the river. Most had canoes and kayaks resting on the shore. After about a mile, we passed the mouth of Pleasant River on the right.
Just beyond, we rounded the right side of a large island and entered a narrows. Turning right, we approached historic Babb’s Bridge. The original bridge was constructed in 1840 and believed to be the oldest covered bridge built in Maine. Destroyed by fire in 1973, the current bridge is a replica. Another popular swimming area, young people were jumping from ropes suspended from trees and swimming just below the bridge.
We met two kayakers while paddling under the bridge and progressed up a narrow, twisting corridor. After passing a couple of cottages on the right, the river widened and the downstream current increased in velocity as we persisted between some small islands to the foot of a shallow rapid.
A kayaker paddles toward historic Babb’s Bridge in calm water on the Presumpscot River. (Ron Chase photo)
Initially, it appeared to be the end of navigation. However, we found an attenuated channel on river right that might be an ancient canal. Struggling against a powerful current, we paddled under a metal footbridge to the foot of Dundee Dam, a hydroelectric facility. This time, we had reached the limit of navigation.
During our return, we benefited from a good current and a gentle tailwind. We decided not to explore Pleasant River, a popular springtime whitewater descent; but that’s certainly an option for another day.
The Gambo Railroad Trestle was free of potential jumpers, but cyclists and walkers could be seen crossing over as we passed below. Several standup paddlers were launching from the boat landing when we returned.
We found this section of the Presumpscot to be a very interesting and stimulating paddle. The entertainment doesn’t need to end. If you bring a trail bike, the Sebago to Sea Trail can be followed to Sebago Lake.
My book, “Maine Al Fresco: The Fifty Finest Outdoor Adventures in Maine,” narrates numerous river trips around the state including multiday expeditions down the iconic St. John and Allagash Rivers.
The author of “The Great Mars Hill Bank Robbery” and “Mountains for Mortals – New England,” Ron Chase resides in Topsham. His latest book, “Maine Al Fresco: The Fifty Finest Outdoor Adventures in Maine,” is available at North Country Press and through online retailers. Visit his website at ronchaseoutdoors.com or he can be reached at [email protected].
