A River Walk Between Two Towns
The Androscoggin River Bike Path is a 2.6-mile paved trail running along the Androscoggin River between Topsham and Brunswick. It is 14 feet wide with separate lanes for walkers and cyclists, making it one of the most accessible trails in southern Maine. The path is flat, fully paved, and plowed in winter, providing genuine four-season access.
The trail follows the river past mature trees, open meadows, and views of the river’s rocky ledges and rapids. In spring, the Androscoggin surges with snowmelt. In summer, ospreys and bald eagles fish the pools. In fall, the hardwoods along the banks turn color. In winter, the plowed path offers a clean walking surface when most trails are under snow.
The path connects to Topsham via the Merrymeeting Bridge, and it is part of the East Coast Greenway, the 3,000-mile trail network running from Maine to Florida.
The Trail
From the Topsham end, access the path from the parking area on Elm Street. The trail heads south along the river, crossing under the Frank J. Wood Bridge and continuing past the boat landing area. Granite and wooden benches are spaced along the path for resting or simply watching the river.
From the Brunswick end, access points include Water Street near the boat landing and Grover Lane at Cook’s Corner. The trail is fully accessible for strollers, wheelchairs, and mobility devices.
Start on the Topsham side, walk or bike the 2.6 miles to Brunswick, and explore downtown Brunswick before heading back. Brunswick has excellent restaurants, Bowdoin College campus, and Fort Andross shops. The round trip is about 5.2 miles on flat pavement.
Wildlife and River Views
The Androscoggin River is recovering from its industrial past and now supports a healthy fish population including striped bass, smallmouth bass, and alewives. Ospreys nest on platforms visible from the trail, and bald eagles are regularly spotted hunting along the river.
In spring, the alewife run draws crowds of gulls and predators to the river near the dam. In summer, herons stand motionless in the shallows. The river itself is wide and visually dynamic, changing character with the seasons and the tide.
The path is extremely popular with joggers and dog walkers, especially on weekend mornings. For a quieter experience, visit on a weekday or in the early morning. The sunrise over the river on a clear fall day is worth the early alarm.
When to Go
Spring
High water on the river. Alewife run attracts eagles and ospreys. Trail is clear even when dirt trails are still muddy.
Summer
Warm, green, and busy. Excellent biking and walking conditions. Bring water on hot days.
Fall
Foliage along the riverbanks. Cooler temperatures for walking. Fewer people than summer.
Winter
Plowed and sanded. One of the few trails in Maine you can walk in winter without traction devices.
FAQ
Is the Androscoggin River Bike Path paved?
Yes. The entire 2.6-mile path is paved and 14 feet wide with separate lanes for walkers and cyclists. It is wheelchair and stroller accessible.
Is the path open in winter?
Yes. The path is plowed and sanded in winter, making it one of the few year-round paved trails in Maine. It is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Can I bike the path?
Yes. The path is designed for both pedestrians and cyclists. Keep to your lane and yield to walkers. Inline skating is also allowed.
Where do I park?
Free parking is available at the Elm Street trailhead in Topsham, the Water Street boat landing in Brunswick, and the Grover Lane access at Cook's Corner.
Is it part of a longer trail?
Yes. The Androscoggin River Bike Path is part of the East Coast Greenway, a developing 3,000-mile trail from Maine to Florida. Local connections include the Androscoggin Riverwalk in Topsham and future links to the Merrymeeting Trail.
