#MaineByFoot - #WheelchairFriendlyTrails

#AccessibleTrails

"Some of these paths below are paved, some are packed gravel and dirt, and some are dirt roads. Often just a portion of a trail is built to be accessible.

My father used a wheelchair — so I try to evaluate trails based on whether I think I would have been able to successfully push him. He loved the outdoors and was always looking for a way to access it. That being said, sometimes I don’t judge trails perfectly, so please send me feedback! I am not sure if all of these listed here adhere to ADA standards.

Also, check out this helpful accessibility guide, a PDF [linked below], to all of Maine’s state parks and historic sites.

(Other possibly accessible trails are not listed here because they’re slightly rougher and clearly fall short of ADA standards. But they might be okay for some. These can be searched on my site if you type ‘wheelchair’ in the search bar.)

List:
https://mainebyfoot.com/wheelchair-friendly-trails/

Maine State Parks PDF:
https://www.maine.gov/dacf/parks/visitor_accessibility/access_guide.pdf

#SolarPunkSunday #Accessibility #SpendTimeInNature #MaineTrails #AccessibleTrails #AccessForAll

#Maine - #EasternTrail

"The Eastern Trail is a 62 mile multi-use, non-motorized greenway, that connects Bug Light in Casco Bay, South Portland to Kittery, Maine. Approximately thirty percent of the trail is off-road, and the trail is a part of the #EastCoastGreenway which will eventually connect #CalaisMaine to #KeyWestFlorida, approximately 3000 miles. The Eastern Trail is currently composed of 21 miles of off-road trails on the former Eastern Railroad bed with the remainder 41 miles on public roads.

"The entirety of the Eastern Trail is built to ADA standards. The trail surface varies between pavement and stone dust/gravel. Most of the trail is 10-12 feet wide, with some sections with an 8-foot width. There is a 30-inch opening between the bollards at entrances to keep out motorized vehicles, but wide enough to allow access for wheelchairs.

"The off-road section connecting Scarbrough to Saco privdes access to the 2200-acre Scarborough Marsh, which is Maine's largest salt marsh. Heading north on the trail from Pine Point (ME-9) or south from Eastern Road in Scarborough provides access to this 2.5 mile stretch of trail.

"Heading south from Pine Point Road, the trail crosses the York County and Cumberland County boundaries and users can walk/bike from Scarborough, through Old Orchard Beach to Saco, where the current-off-road trail ends at Thornton Academy in Saco, approximately 6 miles from the Pine Point kiosk.

"There are kiosks at 3 parking areas, that give some history and points of interest along the trail. For example, the Eastern Trail is built on the old Eastern #Railroad line that was built in 1840 and abandoned in 1945. Also, Charles Lindberg flew into the now abandoned Scarborough airport several times. And, a trestle once carried open air trolleys from the rail line to Old Orchard Beach for summer tourists."

Source and FMI:
https://www.mainetrailfinder.com/trails/trail/eastern-trail-saco-to-scarborough

Eastern Trail Guide (downloadable PDF and booklets): https://www.easterntrail.org/eastern-trail-maps/

#SolarPunkSunday #MaineTrails #MaineByFoot #MaineByBicycle #Nature #SouthernMaine #AccessibleTrails #BikePaths #EasternTrail #AbandonedRailroads #RailsToTrails

#Maine - Indian Cellar

"#SacoRiver Indian Cellar is an 81-acre municipal park maintained by the Hollis Conservation Commission. Visitors will find 8 different trails encompassing 2.5 miles that lead to the scenic shores of the Saco River and a handful of picnic spots. The preserve offers opportunities for cross-country skiing, fishing, horseback riding, mountain biking, running, snowshoeing, swimming, and hiking. Canoe and kayak access to Indian Cellar is available nearby at Pleasant Point Park in Buxton. The #LandForMainesFuture Board supported the acquisition of the Saco River Indian Cellar in 2009.

"Indian Cellar Preserve contains roughly three miles of trails that lead to the mouth of the Saco River. A 1.6-mile perimeter trail wraps around the river, with several additional interior trails. The site divides the towns of #BuxtonME and #HollisME. Visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities at the site during all four seasons, including swimming, hiking, fishing, and cross-country skiing.

"The Indian Cellar got its name from the bedrock walls along the Saco River, which were deep and cool enough for #Indigenous people to store their food. Thanks to the town of Hollis, the Land for Maine’s Future program, and several private donors, the site was preserved in 2009 after a developer proposed dividing the land into several expensive lots."

Activities: Cross-country skiing, fishing, horseback riding, mountain biking, running, snowshoeing, swimming, picnicking, and hiking

FMI - https://mainebyfoot.com/indian-cellar-preserve-hollis/

History sources:
https://www.nrcm.org/explore-maine-map/indian-cellar-preserve/

https://landformainesfuture.org/destination/saco-river-indian-cellar/

#SolarPunkSunday #MaineTrails
#MaineByFoot #NaturePreserve
#Nature #PreservingNature #SouthernMaine

#Maine - Pleasant Point Park

"Pleasant Point Park is located on the Simpson Road and is truly the gem of all the Buxton’s Parks. The Park contains some of the most pristine land in Buxton. Enter through the stone gates and walk down Wiggin’s Way, a dirt road that leads you to the most gorgeous point of land overlooking the Saco River. This 60-acre Park is a wonderful place to relax and visit. It is truly a treasure right in our own backyard.

"Follow the walking trail on the south side and you soon come to the ancient burial ground of the early settlers. The sacred ground is well marked with stones around the parameter and simple rocks marking the grave sites. The burial ground is on very high land and has one of the most beautiful vistas of the entire Saco River. Continuing on the same trail weaving back toward the entrance, the foundation of the Woodman home is visible. Imagine the hardship and dangers the Woodman family faced in those early days as they helped shape history as the Salmon Falls village began to prosper.

"The Park provides several picnic tables scatter around the Park, there are NO grills or fire of any type allowed. There is access for hand carry boats, canoes, kayaks and swimming. This area of the Saco River is approximately 50 feet deep (Please note there are no lifeguards on duty). There are several hiking trails, dogs are welcome if leashed and please pick-up after your dog. There is a handicapped accessible portable toilet at the end of Wiggin’s Way. There is limited parking available and please NO snowmobiles or motorized bikes allowed.

"The Park opens at 7 a.m. and closes promptly at. 8 p.m."

Pleasant Point Park History

"Originally called the 'Cyrus Woodman Reservation' Pleasant Point Park was placed in a trust by the Woodman family. In 1923 the Park was given to Appalachian Mountain Club by Mary Woodman.

"In 1945 the AMC gave the Park to the State of Maine.

"In 1959, the town of Buxton received a letter from the State Park Commission saying that they would not entertain the idea of transferring ownership of (Pleasant Point Park) because of the State’s plan to develop the property. However, the plans were not carried out due to the Class “D” (unsuitable for public recreation due to the water quality of the Saco River adjacent to Pleasant Point Park at the time. In 1960 the Buxton Selectmen proposed a lease agreement with the State of Maine Park Commission. At their annual meeting, the townspeople voted it down, again because of the Class “D” designation.

"In 1971 the Town of Buxton entered a 5 year renewable license with the State to use the land with some covenants in place. In June of 1989 the Park was deeded to the Town on Buxton."

More info about the trails:
https://mainebyfoot.com/pleasant-point-park-buxton/

Park history source:
https://www.buxton.me.us/pages/town-parks#five

#SolarPunkSunday #MaineTrails #MaineByFoot #Maine #NaturePreserve #Nature #PreservingNature #SouthernMaine