By Dawn De Busk
North Windham resident Carene Ramsay and her beagle, Jewel, can be seen walking through the neighborhoods of Shore and Anglers’ roads.
One of her favorite, close-by jaunts – the trail at Chaffin Pond – has been flooded since September. So, Ramsay has been checking out other trail systems to get her daily dose of fresh air and exercise for herself and Jewel.
Ramsay often stops and talks with residents who are working in their yards and other people who are out for a walk. Sometimes, neighbors slow down in their vehicles and chat with her through an open window while Jewel sniffs around or lies down to catch some late-autumn sun rays through the duration of the conversations.
“People ask me, ‘Where is a good place to go walking?’” Ramsay said.
Finding a good trail system is something she’s been trying to obtain for her own well-being, she said.
Windham Parks and Recreation Director Brian Ross said the department’s part-time maintenance worker unplugged the culvert on the south side of the trail, where a small stream flows into Chaffin Pond and had been flowing over the footpath – blocking it for hikers without waterproof footwear.
“We opened it up, and we’re going to put a bridge across it,” Ross said. “With the water-level dropping, the Chaffin Pond trail will be more passable.”
Ross recommends Chaffin Pond as a good trail for families with small children since the path is fairly level. Also, there are fishing opportunities at the pond, which has large-mouth and small-mouth bass and perch.
While ice fishing makes for good wintertime recreation at Chaffin Pond, Ross has an eye toward pre-school
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hikes in the spring and a family day next May.
Ramsay said she took a fall hike at Chaffin Pond with a friend and that friend’s daughter, who happened upon an empty turtle shell. The young girl spent the rest of the walk talking about what she could do with her turtle shell treasure, said Ramsay, adding it’s great to expose young children to the outdoors.
This month’s, Ramsay and her friendly beagle tested out Mountain Division Trail, and said she ran across several hikers and other people with their dogs on leash.
According to Ross, the Mountain Division trail has seen a spike in popularity since a one-mile section was paved this summer.
“The one trail that’s getting a lot of use is the new Mountain Division, the paved section. We see people biking and taking strollers. It seems the paved section is getting a lot more use, which is good,” he said.
From the paved portion, people can follow the trail through Gorham and take the Presumpscot River Loop Trail, which is about a 3-mile trip and easy hiking, Ross said.
“The more adventurous people could try Lowell Preserve, which is more extensive for hiking or biking. Someone can spend an hour hiking, or they can go for two or three hours,” he said.
“We are trying to do some planning now to get a cross country ski loop or snowshoe trail out there at Lowell Preserve. That’s something we are looking for help with – grooming the trails.”
“Anything we can do to get people outside and using our trails,” Ross said. “Even though you have to dress differently, it’s a nice time to be outside.”
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Windham resident Carene Ramsay and her beagle, Jewel, take a walk along Chaffin Pond. Dawn De Busk photo |
| Destination: Outdoors |
Chaffin Pond Preserve
How to get there: Off Route 302, turn on the dirt road before the Sherwin Williams paint store. Park to the right in front of the chain link fence.
What’s there: A 123-acre preserve with a trail system that travels some of the way in view of the pond, and then into the woods. A wider loop offers a longer hike. Hiking, bicycling, cross-country skiing and using snowshoes are permissible uses.
Mountain Division Trail
How to get there: Take River Road to Gambo Road, which is across from Thayer’s Store. Follow Gambo Road, cross railroad tracks and turn right on dirt road. Park in front of the entrance gate.
What’s there: People can either go |
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on 1-mile paved portion or take a 3-mile loop through Gorham and along the Presumpscot River. The state-owned railroad corridor runs from Windham to Standish. Hiking and biking allowed on the marked portion of the trail. Cross-country skiing, snow shoeing in winter. Be aware that ATV-riding is popular on nearby trails, and snowmobilers also use area.
Lowell Preserve
How to get there: Take Falmouth Road to the East Windham Fire Station parking lot. Park in front of playground. Trail starts behind the fire station.
What’s there: Starts with uphill climb and lot of curves. Good heart-pumping hike or appropriate for mountain bikers. In winter, snowshoe or cross-county ski.
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