Oxbow Trail

The Oxbow is a little undeveloped gem of low-lying land in a curve of Messalonskee Stream. When down in its heart, you will hardly be aware of its location close to the center of a City. 
Trail Activity
Walking
Length
0.70 miles, Network
Difficulty
Easy
Town
Waterville
Surface
Dirt/Forest Floor, Gravel/Crushed Stone
Pets
Permitted
Fees
No

Description

Follow the dirt path wherever it goes. Habitats vary from pine woods to viburnum thickets to wetland grasslands. In summer the riverside meadow has wildflowers 6 feet or more high and too dense to find the path. In winter you can wander all through the same area. Some parts are not accessible at high water. Messalonskee Stream is visible along much of the path from the waterfall at the dam, to a gentle flow as it rounds the corner. 

Other Information

The land is owned by two private institutions, the Lutheran Church and the Maine Children's Home. 

Trail Manager

Visit the City of Waterville online for more information or contact:

City of Waterville

City of Waterville
6 Wentworth Court,
Waterville, ME 04901
Phone: (207) 680-4744
View website

Nearby Events

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Trail Tips

Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
Make a small campsite, preferably where there is no vegetation.
Legend
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Trailhead Information

From I-95 take exit 127 and proceed east on Kennedy Memorial Drive through many traffic lights. Take the last light before Messalonskee Stream bridge (with CVS pharmacy on the left corner) onto Cool Street. The trail entrance is on the right (east side of Cool Street, Lutheran Church parking lot, north side. Stroll down the gravel path between two Jersey barriers.

Click on a parking icon to get custom directions
Please Log In or Create Account to add comments.
susanj
September 04, 2022
Lovely Sunday afternoon stroll. The Riverside Meadow was too dense for us to pass, but looking forward to trying again later in the season.
ann carrigan
October 03, 2017
10/02/2017 Used this trail yesterday and found a village of homeless folks living here with permission from the owners. Did not feel comfortable and did not continue.
ChrisNason
August 29, 2014
The Oxbow is a very easy, very short trail located inthe center of Waterville. The trail mostly follows the Messalonskee Stream, which is the main attraction here. It's probably not worth the travel time if you live more than a few miles from the trail, but the Oxbow is an great getaway for residents of the city. It also makes a fine dog walk if you're close by. Keep an eye out for the ducks who call the Messalonskee home.
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