BRIDGTON — A collaborative project by Loon Echo Land Trust and Bridgton Historical Society has resulted in increased trail access for area outdoors enthusiasts.
The first phase of a new universal access trail project has been completed at Peabody-Fitch Woods and Narramissic Farm in South Bridgton. The trail, a first-of-its-kind in the Lake Region, is designed to accommodate strollers and wheeled mobility devices.
“Loon Echo has long wanted to create an opportunity for folks of all abilities to enjoy the beauty of the Lake Region,” said LELT Executive Director Matt Markot. “Thanks to the support and hard work of many people, that opportunity has now been created. We couldn’t be happier to share this incredible new trail with our community.”
The new trail is a half-mile long, and features a gravel surface and gentle slopes. It weaves its way along rock walls, through woods and brings visitors to a viewpoint of Narramissic’s farm & fields, and distant White Mountains. There are also several benches along the trail for rest stops. In addition to its accessible components, the trail can be enjoyed by walking, running, biking, or skiing and snowshoeing in winter months.
The first phase of the trail project was made possible by the state’s Recreational Trail Program, Chalmers Insurance Company, the Kendal C. and Anna Ham Foundation, L.L. Bean, and many private donors. Warren Excavation of Bridgton completed the construction of the trail and a new parking area.
Phase two of the project, scheduled for 2021 and pending fundraising efforts, will include installation of a kiosk, interpretive signage along the trail and formal trail signs. Donations for this phase of the trail project are still being accepted.
Over the summer, with the help of volunteers and the Appalachian Mountain Club, LELT also added to Peabody Fitch Woods’ trail offerings with a new backcountry hiking loop that passes by several historic granite quarries used to build parts of the Narrow Gauge railroad and Highland Lake Dam.
Peabody-Fitch Woods, the trails, and the grounds of Narramissic Farm are open to the public year-round. Tours of the historic farm house and museum can be made by appointment (in the summer and fall) with the Bridgton Historical Society.
More information on the new trail can be found at loonecholandtrust.org, as well as information on how to donate to the accessible trail project.
