Thanks to a 1000 foot drop from its headwaters to the sea, the Androscoggin has an average descent of 8 feet per mile. It is a swift flowing, large-volume river which provides an excellent source of power. That geographical fact led the area to become a hotbed of industry during the industrial revolution. While the Androscoggin provided power for a multitude of mills and factories, it also bore the brunt of industrialization. Like many other communities in America , industry has waned. Though that has created stress on the local economy, it also has opened up many recreational possibilities. Once named one of the ten most polluted rivers in the country, the Androscoggin River has made an incredible comeback.
Today, the river has countless boat put-ins along its entire length. Bald eagles have become a very common sight in the area, and recreation on the river is flourishing. A canoe ride on most any stretch of the river reveals a world of beauty and tranquility. You may see an eagle harassing an osprey for its catch, or a kingfisher, fish for its brood in mouth, sitting on an exposed branch, and later, skimming along in beeline flight, firing off its "rat-tat-tat" call. You might see a green heron under an overhanging bank, crouched motionless on a branch, watching warily as you float by. On ponded stretches, great blue herons sit statue-still, stalking fish fry in the shallows. But not to worry, there's plenty of fish to go around. Indeed the Androscoggin boasts some of the best bass fishing in the northeast! For the fly fisherman who wants a real challenge, wily brown trout lurk in the riffles. You may see a gaggle of kids fishing with worms below Riley dam, and on the other end of the spectrum you might see a fly fishing class being conducted by LL Bean near Pine Island.
If you are in the area in mid-summer there is an excellent chance to partake of an annual ritual on the river: The Source to Sea Canoe Trek. The Trek is sponsored by the Androscoggin Watershed Council. Each July, the Council organizes this flotilla, traversing the river from its source in New Hampshire to its end in Merrymeeting Bay . The trek generally comes through our area in late July, and is broken into easily-done sections of around ten miles of mostly flat-water paddling. The Council provides the necessary equipment; all you need do is reserve a spot, then show up! It's a great way to experience the river. And it's free! For schedule information: http://www.avcnet.org/arwc/trek.html.
The natural wonder that is the Androscoggin River is an untapped treasure waiting to be discovered. Go find it!
This is a little-paddled section of the river, moving through corn and potato fields, hardwood-lined banks and back. There is one portage around Riley Dam. After the Pine Island River access, there is no public access to the river upstream of the Livermore Falls Dam. Paddlers wishing to continue downstream must transport their boats downstream of the Livermore Falls Dam.
Silver maples and other hardwoods dominate the river here. No bridges or nearby roads make this piece of the Androscoggin one of the most peaceful. Two sets of rapids are midway down, not hazardous, but take some boat control to maneuver through successfully. Warning: On river right downstream of the Twin Bridges there is a substantial ledge drop rapid. Take out on island and portage around rapids. At some water levels the channel along river left is runnable.
On Route 4, follow signs for Verso Mill, crossing river on POW Remembrance Bridge ( Riley Rd. ) Turn right to go upstream, and access is on the right. Pine Island is a picnic area/boat access, more easily used for downstream access. There is no public access downriver from Pine Island .
Access is on the west side of the river ( Livermore side), south of Rt. 4 bridge on River Rd. First is a signed anglers and kayaker's access. On Livermore Falls side is the Foundry put in, on Foundry road. Take right off route 4 northbound immediately after bridge. Travel through parking lot behind town offices, and then take left onto foundry road and travel approximately .3 miles.
The Androscoggin River in this area boasts some of the best smallmouth bass fishing in the northeast. Brown trout are also taken, as well as brook and rainbow trout.
Brook trout, rainbow smelt. Heavy annual Brook Trout stocking; reclaimed pond. No formal boat put in or parking.
Annually stocked with Brook and Brown trout, Round Pond offers ample off the road parking in a beautiful wooded parcel called "The Pines"
Annually stocked with book and brown trout. The parking at Long Pond is close to the road so be extra careful as you load and unload.
Water source for Livermore Falls , no motorized boats or swimming. Please cooperate with the Livermore Falls Water District.
Take Route 4 in North Jay, take Route 17 across from the fire station. A mile or so up on the left hand side, just after a right hand curve in the road, in Morse Hill Road. Turn left and you will see the bridge over Seven Mile Stream.
Boothby's Orchards, on Rout 4 in Livermore. Apples and more.
Ruperts Strawberry Farm. Follow Route 4 South to Turner, turn right on Fern Street, go approximately 4 miles.
Kents Hill Orchard, Inc. has strawberries and apples on Rout 17, Kents Hill.
Stevenson’s Strawberry Farm for strawberries on Berry Road in Wayne.
Steep Hill Farm has blueberries on Lovejoy Pond Road in Fayette.
Wells Farm has raspberries which is located on Robinson Road in Livermore, after crossing bridge at Livermore Falls going south on Route 4, take sharp left onto River Road. Go three miles and take a right onto Robinson Road. The farm is one fourth of a mile on the left.
Turner Highlands, North Parish Road in Turner 207-224-7060, eighteen holes.
Wilson Lake Country Club, Weld Road in Wilton 207-645-2016, nine holes.
Springbrook Golf Club, Route 202 in Leeds, 207-946-5900.
A series of trails behind the North Campus of Spruce Mountain High School (formerly Jay High school campus). Click here for map.
The park has picnic tables and benches throughout, and a great one-mile trail that meanders through the orchard. There is also a small outlet trail from the orchard that brings you to a small quarry that is still being worked today. Large pieces of granite, and paving stones are scattered throughout the site.
Pine Island Park is a lovely park situated in the middle of the Androscggin River, with a picnic area, ample parking and short side trails leading to picturesque outlooks on the river. There is also a public boat put-in. The park is owned and maintained by International Paper Company and available for public use. Access is off the Riley Road.
Created by the Jay High School Adult Education in 1996. It features two short loops of .5 and .75 miles respectively. The trails wind down behind the recreation fields and provide lovely views along the river.
At French Falls there are picnic tables, a basketball hoop, ball fields, walking paths, and in the winter the fields are flooded to provide skating.
Livermore Falls to Readfield and Augusta, travel east on Route 17, scenic lake views, picturesque family cemeteries, shaded country road, historic houses in Readfield and Kents Hill, great view when approaching Kents Hill School.
From North Livermore to Route 4 in Turner, close up look at quaint New England houses, hillside apple orchards, beautiful old farms, cultivated fields, view from high above the valley, small detour in Livermore onto Norlands Road and Norlands Living History Center. Soules Hill, East Jay (Chesterville line).
Take Route 4 across from Franklin Memorial Hospital in Farmington to Rt. 156 (or you can come up Rt. 133 from Livermore Falls). Take a left and the next right onto the Soules Hill Rd. At the top, you will see a grand view during every season. In summer and spring, see wondrous shades of green. Electric colors including rich reds, deep amber, pumpkin orange, and royal purple can be seen in September and October.The Franklin Heritage Loop includes over 100 sites in Farmington, Rangeley Lakes Region and Sugarloaf. Visitors and residents are welcome to explore the natural and historic features. Hiking, Canoeing, hunting and fishing, swimming, skiing, ice skating and snowmobiling will interest outdoor enthusiasts. Beginning in Farmington on Route 27, the loop travels through New Vinyard, New Portland, Kingfield, Carrabassett Valley, Sugarloaf, Stratton, onto Route 4 through Madrid, Phillips, Strong, Fairbanks, and returning to Farmington. Historical and recreational sites are accessible from the Loop in Carthage, Chesterville, Jay, Livermore Falls, New Sharon, Temple, Weld, Wilton, Chain of Ponds, Coburn Cove, Eustis, Adamstown, Byron, Cupsuptic, Dallas Plantation, Kennebago Lake, Oquossoc, Sandy River Plantation and Wilson's Mills.
Spruce Mountain Ski Slope in Jay, 207-897-4090. Nine trails with four rope-tow lifts. Ski classes for all ages.
Jug Hill Riders, Livermore Falls.