It's August, it's hot, and we have another hidden swimming hole for you to check out!
We learned about this one from two women paddle boarding near Babb's Bridge last week, one of whom had grown up in Gorham. I really love learning about new trails from locals. It happens ALL the time and never gets old. Locals know the very best places.
The 1-mile lollipop loop at this preserve runs along the Presumpscot River, just south of the Dundee Dam in north Gorham. It follows a historic tow path and is a popular spot for fishing and swimming. Literally, the fish were jumping everywhere!
From Babb's Bridge, continue on Covered Bridge Rd/Hurricane Rd. for another mile, then turn right onto Dundee Rd. In .4 miles, look for the trailhead sign on your right and park on the side of the road. From here, follow the trail to the outer loop of the lollipop loop where there is a spot to access the water for swimming.
The water is warm, clear and filled with fish. We would have been the only ones here, but we ran into my friend Jeff who was canoeing here with his campers. Small Portland, small world. And this kind of thing seems to happen all the time, which I love.
After your swim, return to your starting point, then head towards the dam to check it out. You will see a pedestrian bridge to the right near the end of the short road leading to the facility gates. Cross the bridge and follow the path until you've reached the water with a view of the dam. It's pretty impressive. This a nice place to take off your shoes and sit on a rock with your feet in the cool water, listening to the sounds of the babbling river. The kids all got pretty quiet at this point. White noise, water and hours of swimming. Good medicine.
This trail is managed by the Presumpscot Regional Land Trust. For maps and detailed information: https://www.prlt.org/cummings-preserve
This is a perfect summer destination! Enjoy.
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