Presumpscot Falls Trail: The Presumpscot Falls Trail follows the north side of the Presumpscot River reaching points both high above and very near the shoreline, making it a short but surprisingly challenging trail. This packed earth trail winds through the woods encountering many tree roots. The trail ends at a viewpoint of Presumpscot Falls, near the location of the former Smelt Hill dam. This is a very popular fishing area, especially for striped bass. Private property beyond this point is marked and should be respected.
Walton Park: Walton Park’s trail is a steady 12% sloped, 40” wide gravel path down toward the Presumpscot River. Some of the soft gravel has washed out creating a section about halfway down the hill that narrows the treadway to approximately 18”. There are no pull outs or benches for resting. The metal gangway that once led down to the River has been removed, due to dangerous currents. The trail ends at the old platform infrastructure which has been locked.
In 2001 Portland Trails and the City of Portland Landbank Commission teamed up with the state’s Land for Maine’s Future program to save 68 acres of land along the Presumpscot River by creating the Presumpscot River Preserve. The Smelt Hill Dam, erected in 1731, was removed in November 2002. The Presumpscot River Preserve lies on either side of the former dam site and next to Presumpscot Falls—now flowing freely for the first time since the dam was built. Interpretive signs on both sides of the river describe dam’s removal and the reemergeance of the beautiful waterfall.
This trail passes through a property that was acquired in part with funds from the Land for Maine’s Future program. For more information about the LMF program and the places it has helped to protect, please visit the LMF webpage.
Visit Portland Trails and the Town of Falmouth online for more information or contact:
Respect Group Limits: Smaller groups can reduce environmental impacts and preserve solitude.
From Portland, follow Allen Avenue from its intersection with Washington Avenue (ME Routes 100/26) towards Falmouth and across the Presumpscot River. The trailhead and parking for Presumpscot Falls are the first left after crossing the bridge or for Walton Park, the first right.
From Falmouth, follow ME Route 9 west to Falmouth Road. Continue onto Allen Avenue Extension following towards the Presumpscot River. Before you cross the bridge over the river, turn left for the trailhead and parking for Walton Park or right into the parking area and trailhead for Presumpscot Falls.
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