Great Spots for Walking and Wandering in Town
Perhaps you’re taking a “zero” day from the mountains, or maybe you love exploring new towns and diving into local digs. Whatever tickles your fancy, touring on foot is a great way to get to know the sights and sounds of Gorham. Within walking distance of downtown, walkers can find lots of spots for a quiet picnic, a casual stroll, a tasty bite to eat, and much, much more. Get started with these suggestions, and then keep exploring from there!
The “Shaky” Suspension Footbridge
Suspension footbridges are wonderfully whimsical structures. Gorham is lucky enough to have a classically charming one just a short walk from downtown. It spans the Peabody River right before joining the Androscoggin, making for beautiful views into the surrounding mountain ranges. But be aware– Locals affectionately call it the “Shaky Bridge” for a reason: When crossing over, the bridge begins to bounce up and down, which can make for some unsettling footing if you’re not prepared!
The Shaky Bridge can be found between Mill Street and Bangor Street and is just under a half mile from the Gorham Town Common. When on the Bangor Street side, the Carter Moriah trailhead can be found about 50 yards to the south of the bridge. If you happen to be on the Mill Street side, wander south for a quarter mile and take a dip (in the summertime, of course) in Libby Pool.
**Note that snowmobiles are allowed to cross in the wintertime, so be sure to check before heading onto the bridge.
SWINGING BRIDGE WALK >>
The Trestle Bridge to Power Island
Power Island is a great spot for low-impact hiking, (on-leash) dog walking, and an access point for many local hiking trails. Part of the adventure of getting to Power Island is crossing the footbridge, which can be an adventure in it of itself: Underfoot, the bridge is made of slotted metal grates, which allow for a clear view straight down to the rushing Androscoggin River beneath, and overhead is a wooden bridge for OHRV* crossing. Dogs can become intimidated by these “dynamic” features, so be prepared to carry your best friend across.
When heading north from the Gorham Town Common, the Trestle Bridge is a 1.5 mile walk along Main Street. There’s also a small dirt parking lot just below the bridge with very limited parking, and an informational kiosk with a bit of history on how Power Island got its name.
*Note that OHRVs share the trails and roads during certain times of year. If you’re hoping to avoid OHRVs, check dates HERE.
TRESTLE BRIDGE TRAILHEAD >>
The Access Road – i.e. Casey’s Way
A beloved favorite amongst locals, the Access Road (i.e. “Casey’s Way,” named after long-time local and trail enthusiast, Russell “Casey” Hodgdon), is a great place to find year-round peace and quiet along a non-motorized, packed dirt and gravel road. Stretching for just over a mile between Bellevue Place (by the Gorham airport) and Route 2, Casey’s Way is a great place to take the stroller, a four-legged friend (on leash), XC skis, or bikes. Choose one of the many Coos Cycling Club trails that branch off from Casey’s way, or stay on the main path for a relaxed stroll.
There are two ways to access Casey’s Way: The first is to walk 1.3 miles along Main Street from the Gorham Town Common and take a left on Bellevue Place. The end of the road is gated to prevent motorized traffic, and that is the start of Casey’s Way. There is a small dirt parking area as well. The second option is to park in the Route 2 parking area just under a mile west of the junction between Route 2 and Main Street (Route 16), and cross Route 2 to Casey’s Way.
Insiders tip: During the late summertime, you can find blackberries galore right along the main path.
CASEY’S WAY TRAILHEAD >>
“The Jungle” Trail
Running parallel to Main Street is a quiet road named Railroad Street where the town Library, Historical Society, and Grand Trunk Railroad Museum can be found. Just behind these notable buildings is a small swath of forest housing lovely little walking trails, and a few fun extras as well …
“The Jungle” was affectionately named by the folks who built the small but mighty jungle-like mountain biking feature park located amongst the paths in the woods, making The Jungle a fun place not only for walking, but for testing your biking skills, too. This path can be accessed from the Big Day Brewing parking lot, or from where the railroad tracks cross on Church Street.
BIG DAY TRAILHEAD >>
The Town Common
The Gorham Town Common is a well-loved gem located directly in the center of downtown Gorham. With expansive views of the surrounding mountains, The Common provides a welcoming and scenic gathering place for locals and visitors alike. The perimeter of The Common is a pleasant half mile walk, and chances are you’ll want to plan for a picnic at one many tables, play on the playground, or shop at the seasonal Thursday farmers market that offers local products and produce from summertime into the fall. The Common is a stone’s throw – and a short walk – from downtown cafes, art galleries and shops, so be sure to keep exploring (on foot!) all that Gorham has to offer.
GORHAM TOWN COMMON >>
