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PHOTO: Before and after shots of the county’s first accessible trail. (Submitted photo)
FARMINGTON — By the end of September, Franklin County’s first accessible trail will be open to visitors, thanks to cooperation between High Peaks Alliance and the Northern Forest Center to build the county’s first accessible trail, breaking ground in July.
The concept for the trail, introduced by board member Gina Oswald, was identified as a need by University of Maine Farmington faculty and is now officially part of the college’s Prescott Fields Trail System. Oswald is a professor of rehabilitation services and has been involved in planning for the project, which begins at the south end of Front Street and meanders through a silver maple forest leading to a local swimming hole on the Sandy River. From here the trail continues on to connect to the public parking area near the Narrow Gauge Cinemas. A foliage walk is planned once the trail is completed.
Additionally, the Town of Strong, High Peaks Alliance, the Sandy River Riders ATC Club, and the Narrow Gauge Snowmobile club are working to rebuild the trail from Scott Paul Park to Main Street. The bridge will be widened to allow the groomer to cross, creating a smoother trail — a benefit to both motorized and non-motorized users.
The project is being led by HPA board member Dana Bowman, who is also vice president of the ATV and Snowmobile Clubs. Board member John Rogers wrote a Maine Community Foundation Grant for the Town of Strong, and HPA sponsored a Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund grant as well. Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer should email Brent@highpeaksalliance.org.
