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River-Link Hikers Discover the Wilderness Vibe Right in the Midcoast.

June 03, 2009 - NEWCASTLE — As trail stewards slowly dropped off and left a morning of trail work, they filed out like a basketball team, slapping hands as if it were the end of a game.

With a nickname like Trail Tamers, this group could have been a hoops team. With the enthusiasm they brought to the task, their work unfolded like a winning game.

And right about now, this volunteer group with the Damariscotta River Association has reason to celebrate.

For the first time this summer, the River-Link trail, which has been several years in the making, will be open for business – complete with blazes and bridges needed to navigate the first five of seven miles of this unfettered wilderness trail on the Boothbay peninsula.

And dozens of volunteer Trail Tamers that are helping to make it happen can't wait.

"I love hiking. I've hiked 20 different trails in Lincoln County. I think the more dedicated hiker will use this, not the average hiker. People who are really into hiking will use it," said Trail Tamer Darren Wallach, 34. "It will fill a niche. But I think we need more long-distance trails here."

The footpath feels truly Appalachian Trail-esque, with its rooty, rolling, winding route tucked beside ancient horse paths.

River-Link has been a collaboration of several land trusts and towns, which have been working to create a continuous footpath from Damariscotta all the way to Boothbay. It was made possible through two grants totaling $700,000 from Land For Maine's Future.

The new wilderness trail system starts at the Dodge Point Preserve on the Damariscotta River in Newcastle. The 766-acre Schmid Preserve in Edgecomb is the hub where the first five-mile section will end.

Eventually, River-Link will run seven miles, all the way down to the Boothbay Region Land Trust's chain of preserves at the north end of Boothbay, along with different directions along spur trails on protected green space.

But the Dodge Point Preserve is the perfect starting point. The 521-acre preserve, which is owned by the state, is a local oasis of ocean air and outdoor access.

Dodge Point calls out to dog walkers from around the midcoast. Locals fill the parking lot daily to walk a few miles to the tidal waters of the Damariscotta River.

"Dodge Point was the first (Land For Maine's Future) project. It's interesting. The community was mixed about it (when the state bought it in 1989)," said Mark DesMeules, Damariscotta River Association executive director. "Today, you couldn't find a single person who thinks it's a bad idea. It is the most-used (outdoor) site in the midcoast. Any time of year, the parking lot is full. It is a very, very well used."

At a trail day two weeks ago, the Damariscotta association was out with the Trail Tamers along a new trail in Dodge Point, to prune this section of River-Link yet again.

Right now, parts are only navigable with orange flags, but soon that will change.

Still, don't expect a carriage road. River-Link will never be too obvious. There will be just enough room to walk single file and chat with chums – or run alone while enjoying the cacophony of woodland critters.

The River-Link will give the more intrepid and curious hiker a reason to get away from the main trail.

"If you don't go way up north, it's not very often that you get the feeling of being away from it all," said Wendell Stephenson of Newcastle as he worked on the trail.

The fact that some pockets are hard to follow now is good – it means the trail is remaining true to its mission, to cater to hearty hikers and to serve wildlife.

A key reason to create this huge swath of land down the Boothbay peninsula is for the wildlife there. And there's plenty, said Steven Hufnagel, Damariscotta River Association trail steward.

Moose, deer, beaver, turkey and muskrat rule in this unexpectedly thick forestland.

"Mostly what (the partners) have talked about is a wilderness-style trail," Hufnagel said. "It will not even be (wide enough for) two abreast. Also, it is a wildlife corridor. We don't want the hikers to compete with that. Once you get off the road and go up and over that ridge, you feel pretty far away."

DesMeules hiked along River-Link two weeks ago pointing out wildlife almost to himself, as if demonstrating the kind of meditative musings naturalists will find along this trail.

"Those are spotted salamander eggs. There are lady slippers, sarsaparilla. And clintonia," DesMeules said. "It's amazing for wildflowers today.

"It literally is a brand-new trail. People only just cut trees and blazed it, so anyone who wants to use it can use it. They did it gradually. We don't want it to be a highway."

By DEIRDRE FLEMING, Staff Writer, Portland Press Herald, May 28, 2009


Lakes:
Regions: Mid Coast


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